Amandla Stenberg turns 17 today!

The actress, activist and all-around badass teen has attracted a legion of new fans over the last few months who admire her humility and honesty. From denouncing cultural appropriation to defending black women , Stenberg speaks the truth -- and we're sure she'll continue to spread these important messages as she celebrates another amazing year.

In honor of her 17th birthday, we wanted to highlight 17 ways Stenberg has defined what it means to be carefree , creative and non-conforming. Let the countdown begin!

1. She schooled everyone about cultural appropriation and warned the world: "Don't Cash Crop My Cornrows." The video, which was initially done as a school project, has nearly two million views on You Tube .

2. She was called a "voice of her generation" in her fabulous feature in "Dazed" magazine.