Shining Bright: Catching Up with Stage and Screen Star Zakiya Young

Life has been busy for our sister, the stage and screen star Zakiya Young, Pittsburgh. She’s on a current hot streak in Hollywood and in the entertainment world. Zakiya talks about her role in Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, and how the show tackles a generational look at major societal issues. She discusses how she’s seeing a shift with inclusion within entertainment and more stories are being driven by women and women of color as writers, directors and producers. Zakiya is also a new playwright, having authored her first one-woman show, Suburban Black Girl. She found her voice through the playwriting process and shares personal stories of her experiences as a Black woman growing up in her communities. It’s her hope that through this new work, more people will engage in authentic conversations on diversity and inclusion. 

Content warning: This episode features topics like sexual assault, racism, bullying and more. 

Be sure to follow Zakiya on Instagram!