PBS has got it right, with the Sesame Street video “ I Love My Hair” .
The new video encourages young black girls to cherish their natural hair.
We need to teach our children to love themselves at an early age. Who better to start the conversation than household name Sesame Street.
Joey Mazzarino wrote the song as a tribute to his Ethiopian daughter. However, young girls everywhere are now singing along.
My goddaughter was the first to introduce me to the new song. She came over for a visit she was excited to tell me about a new Muppet she discovered. She sang every word of the song as we watched the video.
“Wear a clippy or in a bow, Or let it sit in an afro. My hair looks good in a cornrow,
It does so many things you know, that’s why I let it grow. I love my hair”
One of the reasons why she loved the video is because she identified with the character in a positive way.
I enjoy the video for some of the same reasons.
I grew-up watching the Sesame Street. Although, I loved Big Bird, Cookie Monster and the other amazing characters, I couldn’t identify with them.
This new dark-skin Muppet reminds me of why my hair was natural until my freshman year in college.
With video’s like “I Love My Hair” public media is helping to facilitate new conversations around self-acceptance.
Thanks Sesame Street.
