SHU Speaks with Yara Shahidi  

On Saturday, February 6 the Student Activities Board was proud to host their first-ever virtual SHU Speaks with actress and changemaker Yara Shahidi.  SHU Speaks is an annual event hosted by the Student Activities Board that brings together the campus community for an inspiring and intellectual conversation with a distinguished guest. Past speakers have included sociopolitical television host W. Kamau Bell, Brandon Stanton of Humans of New York, Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez, and actress Keke Palmer. 

Shahidi is known for her role on the popular television show Grownish playing Zoey Johnson as well as using her platform as changemaker advocating for social justice. She advocates for women’s issues, including the diversity in media and girls' education, and has even worked with the United Nations Girl Up initiative. The event was widely attended by Seton Hall students, faculty, and staff who tuned in for an evening of inspiring conversation and empowering dialogue. 

Shahidi was joined on the virtual stage by senior Mariam Elmiligi and sophomore Joseph Kajon, chairs of the SAB Live Events committee who moderated the conversation. She spoke to the community about balancing her schedule as a college student and working as an actress at the young age of 21. Shahidi gave her own insight into dealing with her own struggles on and off screen and discussed the realities of being a person of color in the entertainment industry. The moderators spoke with her about her impact on the community as it related to encouraging voter registration in the 2020 Presidential election and the importance of standing up to make changes for the greater good. Shahidi spoke about leaving an impact over legacy and discussed continuing and adding onto the impact that those before her have made. 

Following the event, the Student Activities Board hosted a private meet and greet for contest winners. Leading up to SHU Speaks, SAB hosted Trivia Tuesday on February 2nd all about Yara Shahidi. Top winners were invited to a private meet and greet with Shahidi after the show.  Amber Aragon, a first-year student and contest winner shared: 

Before the event, I participated in SAB's Yara [Shahidi] trivia and it was so much fun. I tried to stay on the leader board because Kahoots are really competitive. I ended up getting 5th place in the Kahoot! The event was so laid back and so inspiring. Yara is honestly a role model because she is able to balance an acting career, being a social justice advocate, and attending one of the nation's leading institutions. During her interview, I was writing down notes of some of my favorite parts. On the night of the event I was also able to meet Yara and that was honestly the highlight of my freshman year. She was just so nice to meet and the few moments we were on the same screen she waved back. It was nice to meet and hear someone around my own age talk about politics and the struggles of public speaking and her getting nervous. Overall, I had a great time! 

– Amber Aragon, Freshman

This installment of SHU Speaks ended with Shahidi's advice for the younger generation. She encouraged the importance of advocating for people outside of yourself and that being socially engaged can come in any form and at any time.  

Stay tuned for more of SAB's future events here. 

Categories: Arts and Culture, Campus Life