Sesame Workshop, the powerhouse behind Sesame Street, has introduced two new characters, 5-year-old Wes and his father Elijah, to help families engage in conversations about race and racism. This initiative, titled “The ABCs of Racial Literacy,” is a key component of the Coming Together program, which aims to address racial justice. This move reflects Sesame Street’s commitment to remain relevant by tackling important issues such as autism and addiction.
In a recently released video, Wes and Elijah discuss melanin and race with Elmo. Curiously, Elmo asks, “Why is Wes’ skin brown?” to which Wes responds, “My mom and dad told me it’s because of melanin, right Dad?” Elijah elaborates, explaining that melanin determines our skin, eye, and hair color, emphasizing that our skin color is just one part of our identity and that diversity is something to be celebrated.
Importance of Discussing Race with Children
Dr. Jenna Morgan, Senior VP at Sesame Workshop, highlighted the importance of addressing these topics with children. “Kids are not colorblind; they notice differences in race from infancy,” she stated. The ABCs of Racial Literacy aims to facilitate open and age-appropriate discussions about race within families, helping children develop a healthy sense of identity while appreciating the identities of others.
A recent study commissioned by Sesame Workshop revealed that nearly half of children aged 6-11, especially Black children, identified racism as a significant social concern. While most parents are open to discussing race through various media, only a small percentage reported having adequate resources for these discussions. The new ABCs of Racial Literacy materials are designed to support parents and caregivers in these vital conversations.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Kay Thompson, Executive VP of Creative and Production at Sesame Workshop, emphasized their commitment to diversity and inclusion, stating that it’s crucial to empower families to talk about race at an early age. “Understanding racism and its impact is the first step in dismantling it,” she added. The newly launched resources are available in both English and Spanish and will be accessible through various community programs.
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Conclusion
In summary, Sesame Street’s introduction of new Black Muppets, Wes and Elijah, aims to foster racial literacy among children. Through engaging content, they encourage families to have open discussions about race, helping kids understand and appreciate diversity while forming their own identities.
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