Elmo's Dad Explains Protests to Elmo in Sesame Street Event

Protestors: (00:02) Black lives matter! Black lives matter! Black lives matter! Elmo: (00:02) But Daddy, Elmo doesn't understand. What's happening. Why are all these people together? Elmo's Dad: (00:12) They're gathering together to protest. Elmo: (00:18) Protest? Elmo doesn't understand. What's a protest? Elmo's Dad: (00:21) Oh, a protest is when people come together to show that they are upset and disagree about something. They want to make others aware of the problem. Through protesting, people are able to share their feelings and work together to make things better. They make signs, like this. Elmo: (00:40) Oh. Elmo's Dad: (00:42) Yeah. I'm bringing this sign to the protest at the community center later. Elmo: (00:46) Oh. They look upset. Are the protesters sad? Elmo's Dad: (00:54) They are sad and upset, and they have every right to be, Elmo. People are upset because racism is a huge problem in our country. Elmo: (01:11) Racism? What's that? Elmo's Dad: (01:12) Oh, racism is when people treat other people unfairly because of the way they look or the color of their skin. Elmo: (01:18) The color of their skin? Elmo doesn't understand, Daddy. Elmo has friends with different types of skin, and fur too. Black, brown, green, purple. Elmo's Dad: (01:36) Yeah. I know, Elmo, but not all streets are like Sesame Street. On Sesame Street, we all love and respect one another. Across the country, people of color, especially in the black community, are being treated unfairly because of how they look, their culture, race, and who they are. What we are seeing is people saying, "Enough is enough." They want to end racism. Elmo: (02:08) Elmo wants to end racism too. Elmo wants everybody to be treated fairly. What can Elmo do, Daddy? How can Elmo support his friends? Elmo's Dad: (02:25) We can start by learning and talking about what is happening, and take.