Racial Justice | Sesame Workshop

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Racial Justice

Coming Together is Sesame Workshop's commitment to racial justice. We believe in a world where all children can reach their full potential and humanity—and do so in celebration of their races, ethnicities, and cultures. Together with experts, we've designed developmentally appropriate resources to help you guide your child to be smarter, stronger, and kinder—and an upstander to racism.

Elmo talks to Wes and his dad on a bench outdoors in the Fall

Explaining Race

Elmo and his friend Wes are exploring the colors of their skin (and fur)! Wes’ dad, Elijah, explains “melanin” and how the color of our skin is an important part of who we are.

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A man and a boy in a red shirt have a conversation outdoors

What is Racial Literacy?

Our words matter. Talking openly and honestly with your child about their race, ethnicity, and culture is the beginning of racial literacy.

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Children are not born colorblind. We know that babies notice physical differences, from skin color to eye shape and hair texture. This unique set of resources provides you with language and parenting strategies to talk with your child about race and racism, as well as tools to cope with racism together as a family.

Wes, Elijah, and Abby Cadabby stand on Sesame Street

Breathe, Feel, Share

Wes learns how to cope with big feelings! After someone makes unkind comments about his curry chicken lunch, he goes to his Dad, Elijah, and his friend Abby. They help him feel better by helping him take deep breaths, say how he feels, and share what happened. Watch with your child to foster their self-identity and strengthen their cultural pride.

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I Am Somebody!

These printable, cut-apart affirmation cards help kids develop confidence a strong sense of self-worth. Try reading, chanting, or singing these messages with your child—and write your own, too!

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A woman holds a baby and kisses them on the cheek

Never Too Young: Ages and Stages of Racial Understanding

Here’s a handy age-by-age reference about how children develop an understanding of race, ethnicity, and culture—and why it’s never too early to talk about race and racism.

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Visit Sesame Street in Communities for our complete set of "ABCs of Racial Literacy" resources.

From songs to short documentaries, check out these new videos designed for families to experience together.

Muppets and humans in a split screen video chat smile and sing

Change the World Song

Join the Power of We Club in making the world a better world with this new version of the Change the World song! Sing along with Gabrielle, Tamir, Elmo and the rest of the Power of We Club as they sing about a world of fairness where anyone can be anything they want to be!

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Meet the Christofferson Family

Meet the Christoffersons, a family actively working toward a world with no racism. In this video, they talk about racism, respect, fairness, justice, and resilience in direct, age-appropriate, and honest ways. Watch the video yourself before deciding whether to share with children.

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A family of 5 sits at a kitchen table talking

Meet the Lee Family

Meet the Lee family: Dad David, mom Christine, and kids Logan, Emily, and Leo. In this video, the Lee family shares how they talk about culture, race and racism together—and what they’re learning along the way. Watch first before deciding whether to share with your child.”

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Join Tamir, Gabrielle, Elmo, and other Sesame Street friends as they celebrate their different identities and learn to become “upstanders” for racial justice.

Elmo, Gaby, Tamir and Abby video chat with each other

How to Be an Upstander to Racism Song

Join Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Gabrielle, and Tamir to learn what you can say and do when you see someone being treated unfairly because of the color of their skin or fur.

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Muppets video chat together and hold up homemade signs

Listen, Act, Unite Song

“Listen, Act, Unite! These are the things that we do when something that we see is not right.” Join your Sesame Street friends for a virtual sing-along, as they use their voices to stand up against racism.

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Three cartoon children dressed as superheros with masks and capes outdoors

What Is Racism?

Racism is treating people unfairly just because of the color of their skin. That’s wrong and unfair. Chris from Sesame Street narrates an animated story about a boy who experienced racism while playing with his friends and how he stood up for himself.

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Gaby and Tamir stand in front of paper flower bouquets

Making “About Me” Flowers

Welcome to the Power of We Club! In today's Power of We Club meeting, Gabrielle, Tamir, Charlie, and Elmo have made About Me Flowers to learn more about each other! What are some things you love that you would put on your own About Me Flower?

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Gordon, Tamir, Gaby, Elmo and some kids stand in front of a blue background smiling

Let's Celebrate Juneteenth Song

It’s Juneteenth! Each year on June 19th, we gather to reflect on the past and share hope for today. Join Gordon and the Power of We Club to celebrate the day when many enslaved African Americans learned of their freedom long ago.

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Two cartoon children run outdoors in front of an airplane

Bessie and James Take Flight

The Power of We Club is celebrating Black History Month by hearing stories about amazing African Americans. Today, they are learning about James Banning and Bessie Coleman, the first African American man and woman to get their pilot’s licenses in the United States. Some people thought they shouldn’t learn to fly because of the color of their skin, but that didn't stop them!

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We're Different, We're the Same book cover

We're Different, We're the Same board book

In this board book version of a Sesame Street classic, Elmo and his friends help teach toddlers and the adults in their lives that everyone is the same on the inside, and it's our differences that make this wonderful world, which is home to us all, an interesting—and special—place.

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Let's Stand Up For What Is Right! book

Inspired by the CNN/Sesame Street Town Hall “Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism,” this paperback book stars Elmo, Abby, Rosita, and their friends as they learn about racism and what it means to stand up for what is right.

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Sesame Street friends, CNN hosts, and experts from around the country come together for a Town Hall designed to help kids and families discuss racism, build empathy, and embrace diversity.