From child star, to critically acclaimed actress. Zendaya Coleman has somehow managed to navigate her career 10+ year career with style and grace. Even bagging an Emmy of which she’s the youngest female to win the award for ‘outstanding lead actress in a drama’.

“I’m honoured to have that support, especially from my fellow young Black creatives”.

Exert: You all make the future of Hollywood feel bright, which is why I love that your cover will be closing ESSENCE’s 50th-anniversary year. It feels like a passing of the torch. What does this moment mean to you?

ZENDAYA: I’m incredibly grateful—because without the incredible, iconic people who have graced the cover before me, I wouldn’t be here, standing on the shoulders of giants. To be able to do this cover at this time is really special to me. I also felt very excited that ESSENCE allowed Law [Roach] and me to be a part of the creative team and do something a little bit different. I had so much fun on this shoot paying homage to Donyale Luna, the first Black supermodel. A lot of what I do, specifically within fashion, is a tribute to fashion icons who came before me—many of whom are Black women. I love the way it turned out. I’m very proud of it. It’s one of my favourite cover shoots I’ve ever done.

Read full interview here.