VPM will air “The Power of We: A Sesame Street Special” on Thursday, October 15 at 11:00 AM and again on Sunday, October 18 at 7:00 AM. Designed as a co-viewing experience for children and families, the special will address racism – and model how children can stand up to it. The special will also air on VPM PLUS on Friday, October 16 at 7:00 AM and on the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel November 13 through 15.
“The Power of We” features Elmo and Abby Cadabby, who are joined by 6-year-old Muppet Gabrielle and her cousin, 8-year-old Tamir, as they learn how to become “upstanders” to unfair treatment based on skin – or fur – color.
“As parents and educators we have a responsibility to our children and our communities to be fully engaged and present in this moment and to not back down from talking with young kids about race and injustice in our society. Children know that people have differences – they see it and experience it every day. They know that being mean or getting angry at someone because of the color of their skin does not feel good or right. Watching the Sesame Street special with your child gives you and your family the opportunity to discuss these differences and grow empathy and compassion together.” – Mary Jo Grieve, VPM Director Early Childhood Education
Current and former Sesame Street human cast members Alan, Charlie, Chris, and Gordon take part in the special alongside celebrity and musical guests Yara Shahidi, Christopher Jackson, and Andra Day. “The Power of We” includes two new songs: “How Do You Know?” and “Listen, Act, Unite!” the latter written and performed by Jackson and featuring Day.
For playful learning resources to help guide the conversations with your child about racism and coming together go HERE. Additional tips and resources to help families and caregivers discuss race, racism, and being anti-racist with their children are available on pbskidsforparents.org.
