Don’t ask Yara Shahidi to choose between being an ingenue and a serious intellectual; the 18-year-old is already one of several young black actresses breaking the mold when it comes to young Hollywood talent—not only for being non-messy, but for being socially conscious and civically-minded.

Black women, as a political force, as cultural drivers and influencers, have arguably never been more visible in American political culture. They helped Doug Jones win a Senate seat over Republican judge (and accused pedophile) Roy Moore. They are among the left’s most reliable voting blocs and will be key to…