Teyonah Parris, Yara Shahidi & Johnetta Elzie Rock Essence

As Black History Month is just a few weeks away, it’s a good time to start reflecting on the incredible milestones reached and accomplishments made by trailblazing African-Americans. In honor of Black History Month, Essence has dedicated its February issue to the next class of young Black females paving the way.

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Chi-Raq actress Teyonah Parris, Black Lives Matter activist Johnetta “Nettie” Elzie, and Black-ish star Yara Shahidi each have their own dedicated cover for the new Black Girl Magic issue. The stunning black-and-white portraits showcase each woman’s unique beauty and serve as a powerful reminder of the power we each have to impact the world.

“Being a part of this reemergence of a movement both pro-diversity and pro-woman is the best part of being a Black girl,” the 16-year-old Shahidi told the magazine.

Inside, Essence also salutes emerging stars from the worlds of arts and entertainment, sports, tech, and fashion, including Zendaya, Aja Naomi King, and world championship gymnast Simone Biles.

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(Photo from left: James Devaney/WireImage, Johnetta Elzie via Twitter, Frazer Harrison/Getty Images, Essence Magazine)