Creating a children’s show is one thing, but creating a show that can grab the attention and hearts of Black youth worldwide is another. These shows did just that.
#1: Sesame Street
Created by a woman who wanted to reach Black and inner city children, Sesame Street’s connection to Black culture is no coincidence. Designed to resemble Harlem's historically Black community, its use of Black culture allows children to see themselves represented in a positive way.
#2: Gullah Gullah Island
Educating us about the roots of Afro-Caribbean culture, Gullah Gullah Island was a massive step outside the norm when it came to children’s shows in the 90s. Ron and Natalie Daise were a Black couple determined to bring Gullah culture to the big screen and their gamble paid off tremendously.
#3: The Backyardigans
With main characters with names like Uniqua, Tyrone, and Tasha, and captivating Black funk songs that are still popular today, The Backyardigans encouraged us to reimagine our homes as playful palaces.
These children's shows resonated with us for years because they grounded us in our culture. It’s imperative that we continue to find creative ways to educate and entertain Black youth to continue our progression toward Black liberation.