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.

Abby Cadabby, Wes, Elmo and Rosita smile in front of a pink background

I Am Somebody (Giant Song)

This joyful song will quickly become a go-to anthem for you and your child! Sing and dance together along with the video as you explore concepts of pride, self-worth, and celebrating ourselves and others.

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Crayons next to a piece of paper with a stick drawing on it

Beautiful Me

Creating self-portraits with your child is a wonderful way to explore and appreciate their own racial, ethnic, and cultural identities. This printable coloring page includes “conversation sparks” for you to use as you chat with your child about positive self-identity.

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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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A family of grown-ups and their kids sit on a stoop outside in Winter hats

Meet the Preston Foster Ogletree family

Learning how other families have honest conversations about race and racism can inspire new ideas for talking about these topics with your child. In this video, the Preston Foster Ogletree family discusses racism, respect, fairness, justice, and resilience in open, age-appropriate ways. Watch first before deciding whether to share with your child.

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A family sits at a table writing and drawing on paper

Meet the Maraña family

Meet the Maraña family. In this video, the Marañas have an honest talk about skin color, culture, and pride. This video focuses on colorism—the harmful belief that lighter skin is better than darker skin. 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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Chris Jackson, Elmo and friends video chat while confetti falls

Celebrating Black History Month: John Lewis and Dr. Mae Jemison

Black History Month is a period in which we celebrate, learn, and understand the history and the contributions of African Americans to the United States. Learn about some amazing heroes like John Lewis and Dr. Mae Jemison with the Power of We Club. Black History is everybody's history and should be celebrated every day!

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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 cover

COMING SOON: 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.