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Gabrielle Union is shining a light on Zaya Wade’s “courage” and “strength” in a heartfelt tribute as the model turns 18.
On Monday, June 2, the 52-year-old Riff Raff actress, who is married to Zaya’s father, Dwyane Wade, posted a special message to Instagram as she celebrated the teen and shared photos from her birthday this past weekend.
“Your transparency should be studied. @zayawade,” Union began as the caption.
The joint carousel was also shared with the former NBA player, 43, and showed the trio standing together with the birthday girl, who turned another year older on May 29.
“They say parents are the ones to raise and show their children ‘the way’, but you’ve been the one to show us what true strength, vulnerability, and love really look like. At just 18, you’ve already shown the world what it means to be brave,” Union continued.
She concluded, “Your courage lights the way for so many to follow, and we’re right beside you every step of the way.”
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After the photo of them standing dressed in formal attire for the special occasion, the Bring It On star posted a shot of Zaya fiercely walking on stage in a strapless, beaded gown.
Other images showed Wade smiling while taking a bow toward cameras and the family looking joyful as they chatted with others at the party.
Sponsors for the party were H&M and MAC, the latter of which Zaya recently partnered with for the cosmetic brand’s Born Famous campaign.
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“Happy 18th birthday to you @zayawade!!! You are so loved and cherished and you make us so proud daily. May year 18 bring you blessings, adventures, and glorious peace. Love you!!!” Union captioned another post on Zaya’s actual birthday.
The upload was a video montage of the teen with behind-the-scenes footage at a photo shoot, along with the finished images. It included audio of Union narrating honorable qualities of the model.
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“She’s a good human being, you know? She’s going to be off to college next year. She’s a potential astrobiology major. Look, who she is is amazing, but it’s because we love her so much and we protect her freedom and her humanity and her rights, that she’s allowed to blossom,” the actress said in audio pulled from a past interview.
Zaya also shared a recap of her own, captioning her Instagram carousel, “the most special birthday 😭 thank you to my friends and family who celebrated with me. it’s going to be an amazing year💘 #CoachNY.”
