Sesame Street Introducing Black Puppets To Educate Children About Racism

Sesame Street has introduced two new black Muppets - a father and son - to help children learn and talk about race.

Wes and Elijah have featured in a new clip where they chat to long-standing Sesame Street resident Elmo.

Elmo asks Wes why his skin is brown, prompting dad Elijah to talk about melanin while explaining that 'the colour of our skin is an important part of who we are'.

The new muppets are part of Sesame Workshop's ABCs of Racial Literacy, which forms part of Coming Together - the children's shows ongoing commitment to racial justice

In a press release, Sesame Workshop explains the ABCs of Racial Literacy will encourage the show's young viewers to 'celebrate their own unique identities' while also giving parents 'age-appropriate language and strategies to answer sometimes-tough questions around race and racism'.

PBS/Sesame Workshop

Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, Senior Vice President, Sesame Workshop said: "At Sesame Workshop, we look at every issue through the lens of a child.

"Children are not colour-blind-not only do they first notice differences in race in infancy, but they also start forming their own sense of identity at a very young age.

"The ABCs of Racial Literacy is designed to foster open, age-appropriate conversations among families and support them in building racial literacy.

"By encouraging these much-needed conversations through Coming Together, we can help children build a positive sense of identity and value the identities of others."

Kay Wilson Stallings, Executive Vice President of Creative and Production, Sesame Workshop, added: "Sesame Workshop has always stood for diversity, inclusion, equity, and kindness.

PBS/Sesame Workshop

"As a trusted source for families, we have a responsibility to speak out for racial justice and empower families to have conversations about race and identity with their children at a young age.

"The work to dismantle racism begins by helping children understand what racism is and how it hurts and impacts people.

"Sadly, today's announcement comes at a time of racial and social discord when many families are in need of support in talking to their children about racism.

"We're proud to reaffirm our Coming Together commitment to racial justice, which will be woven into new Sesame Workshop content for years to come."

Topics: TV and Film

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

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