
“One of the most visible forms of cultural appropriation can be found in Halloween costumes… scary! It is important to keep in mind that culture is NOT a costume. There are many unintended negative effects certain costumes can have. They reduce cultural differences to jokes or stereotypes, perpetuate cultural misinformation, and historical inaccuracies. So before you purchase a costume with a label such as “cultural, ethnic, or tribal” ask yourself- is this cultural appropriation? How can you raise awareness surrounding the racist stereotypes such costumes promote?
Let’s all Have a happy and #culturalappropriation-free Halloween “– Anti-racist Art Teachers Facebook group
A couple of week’s ago we included an invitation to go check out “All Rise”– the street art of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg with boxing gloves! (NE 27th and NE Bryce in Portland).We encouraged families to use the visit as an opportunity to talk about RBG’s legacy, leave flowers and/or bring chalk to add your own message. A few families explored and added their own messages.
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“Sesame Workshop’s longstanding commitment to modeling inclusivity and addressing complex social issues continues this week with ‘The Power of We: A Sesame Street Special.’
Designed as a co-viewing experience for children and families, the special will address racism and help children learn ways to recognize and stand up to it. It will stream on HBO Max and PBS KIDS starting, Thursday, October 15, and debut on PBS stations the same day. The special will re-air throughout October and November on PBS stations and the PBS KIDS 24/7 channel (check local listings).
“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. Current and former Sesame Street cast members Alan, Charlie, Chris, and Gordon will also take part in the special alongside celebrity and musical guests Yara Shahidi, Christopher Jackson, and Andra Day.
We hope you will join us for ‘The Power of We,’ which is designed for families of all shapes, sizes, and colors. To continue meaningful conversations about racism with children in your life, check out our family viewing guide at SesameStreet.org/PowerofWe.
If you have any questions about ‘The Power of We’ or any Sesame Workshop programming, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
-Your friends at Sesame Workshop”
Here’s a timely poem by the esteemed novelist, short story writer, poet, and social activist, Alice Walker.
We have to live
differently
or we
will die
in the same
old ways.
Therefore
I call on all Grand Mothers
everywhere
on the planet
to rise
and take your place
in the leadership
of the world
Come out
of the kitchen
out of the
fields
out of the
beauty parlors
out of the
television
Step forward
& assume
the role
for which
you were
created:
To lead humanity
to health, happiness
& sanity.
I call on
all the
Grand Mothers
of Earth
& every person
who possesses
the Grand Mother
spirit
of respect for
life
&
protection of
the young
to rise
& lead.
The life of
our species
depends
on it.
& I call on all men
of Earth
to gracefully
and
gratefully
stand aside
& let them
(let us)
do so.