Sesame Street to take on racism in CNN Town Hall Special for kids

We’ll be honest, town halls are typically super boring. They’re dry and drag on forever, but they are super important. Especially when the topic of conversation concerns one of the biggest issues to plague society on a global scale. As we’re sure you’re aware the entire world has practically erupted, standing together in the fight for equality.

The Black Lives Matter Movement is now VERY well known worldwide and has been better understood since protesters took to the streets and flooded Facebook and Instagram. Unfortunately. there’s a demographic that is often left out when it comes to discussing troubling developments. To address the leaders of tomorrow, CNN and Sesame Street are modernizing what we know as Town Hall.

In an upcoming 60-minute special called “Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism,” children will be spoken to directly. They see what is going on just as well as we all do, and have questions.

By having familiar and beloved faces like, Ernie, Big Bird, and Elmo answer them in their own gentle but deeply educational way, the hope is that they are more aware of what racism looks like and how to handle it.

This is by no means the first time empathy and understanding have been discussed on a children’s show, but it is the first time kids themselves will direct the conversation.

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A similar town hall was actually held last month in order to speak to children about Coronavirus, and it was so effective, teachers in several schools were using it as a way to help their students cope with being afraid and at home.

According to one educator in Alberta, several kids and parents will be encouraged to watch this Saturday’s airing of the show on racism.

“I think that kids tend to be overlooked when it comes to being educated about these things, either because adults are trying to shield them from it, or it’s just too complicated for them to fully understand. However, they are scared too when they hear bits and pieces. It’s important that we educate them so that they feel safe, but also because this is their world too, and they are going to be dealing with the consequences for years to come,” Taylor Precoor, an elementary school teacher told Curiocity.

Racism is something that we believe is taught, or ignored by privileged families. By educating kids now and explaining that “just because it isn’t happening to you, doesn’t mean it’s not happening,” they will grow up treating each other with more respect.

If you’re interested in catching Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism, CNN is airing it this weekend, June 6, at 10 AM ET. If the Cookie Monster can’t get through to those of you who still don’t get it, we’re not sure who will.

Sesame Street Coming Together: Standing Up to Racism

When: Saturday, June 6th
Time: 10 AM ET