Column: The Newest Face of Feminism

Amandla Stenberg, once an actress and now the newest face of feminism. Image source: Stenberg’s office website


It seems that the world has found the newest face of the feminist movement, and I couldn’t be happier to say that she is a lot like us Archer Girls — ambitious, outspoken and on her way to changing the world.

Amandla Stenberg, known best for her role as Rue in “The Hunger Games,” is a 17-year-old high school student whose name you have probably most recently heard in association with social activism.

Since the release of the first Hunger Games movie in 2012, Stenberg has developed a following that has only continued to grow. As of late, Stenberg has used her platform to empower women and advocate for their rights.

In 2015, Stenberg and one of her classmates created a short, four-minute video calling out celebrities like Kylie Jenner for appropriating cornrows.

Originally intended to be a simple history class project, neither student could imagine the impact that it would soon have. The video went viral and helped launch Stenberg into the world of activism.

The Los Angeles teen has since gained notoriety for her outspokenness on gender equality, intersectional feminism, cultural appropriation and diversity issues. She was even recently named Feminist Celebrity of the Year in an online survey conducted by the Ms. Foundation for Women in partnership with Cosmopolitan.com.

“The survey acknowledges celebrities who not only publicly identify as feminists, but work to change the conversation around diversity, inclusiveness and intersectionality,” said the founder and CEO of the foundation, Teresa Younger.

As of the end of March this year, she was recognized by the Huffington Post, which released an article acknowledging Stenberg’s strong presence in the global community.

As a young, black, bisexual female, Stenberg’s voice has been instrumental in raising awareness on important issues of not only gender equality but also race and sexuality.

“I oftentimes receive the question, ‘What do you think is the most important social issue to focus on?’ Or, ‘What’s the most important component of identity? Is it gay rights or race or feminism?’ And I’m like, ‘Well, they’re all intertwined,'” Stenberg told the Huffington Post. “It’s all one conversation at the end of the day. You can’t just pick one.”

Wise words, Ms. Stenberg. Having someone young who is both highly eloquent and knowledgeable to represent not only the feminist movement but also the gay rights and racial equality movements is extremely important for all causes.

Stenberg shows us that you are never too young to speak your mind and stand up for what you believe in.

She illuminates the strength of diversity in the feminist movement and has shown the world that everyone’s differences should be celebrated. This budding icon is a force to be reckoned with, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.