Z C'est La

Zendaya Isn’t Shy About Using Her Voice, Whether She’s Calling the Shots at Disney or Clapping Back on Social Media—this Month, She’s Lending It to the Animated Smallfoot—and We’re Listening

- Janet Mock

I've been enamored with Zendaya since 2015, when her image began to take over my Twitter and Instagram feeds. My friends’ captions, loaded with exclamation points, hailed the budding fashion plate as their queen. She was beloved by girls and women who shared her hue and textures, seeking mirrors of themselves. Her sartorial choices were fearless and bold, epitomizing the carefree black girl who refused to let her race and gender block her from living a life of freedom, joy, and the fullest expression.

The moment I became a superfan, though, was simple and profound. I came across a video on Instagram in which the then-star and co-producer of Disney Channel’s K.C. Undercover explained how she could walk a carpet with a sleek bob one day and long waves the next. “So many people get stressed out every time I wear a different hairstyle on the red carpet,” she explains in the video. “It’s called a wig, people. Say it with me: ‘W-I-G: wiiiiiiiiig.’ ” I reference it any and every time I need to laugh.

But Zendaya, who turns 22 on September 1, has done more than just serve a look and a performance. She also has a deep sense of duty to explain and educate, which makes complete sense since she was raised by teachers. Hair for black women is much deeper than follicles. Our hair can carry messages about our ability, our worth, and, yes, our freedom. Let’s not forget that Zendaya became a household name to adults after being attacked for pairing her Vivienne Westwood gown with waist-length faux locks at the 2015 Oscars. When E! host Giuliana Rancic said she looked like she “smells like patchouli oil…or weed,” Zendaya set her straight on social media: “There is already harsh criticism of African-American hair in society without the help of ignorant people who choose to judge others based on the curl of their hair.”