A week after Janelle Monae sang about the “Power of Yet,” another woman of color has guest-starred on Sesame Street. Lupita Nyong’o stopped by the show to teach Elmo about skin.
The two chatted about its biological functions, as well as its special qualities. And when Elmo noticed Lupita’s glowing brown tone, she shared a lesson in self-love that is especially important for young Black girls–and everyone else–to learn.
This isn’t the first time that Sesame Street has used their kid-friendly platform to send positive messages to the masses. In 2010, the show featured the original song “I Love My Hair,” sung by a Black character. As she marveled at the versatility of her tresses, Black women and little Black girls rejoiced. (Some were even moved to tears.)
It’s inspiring that the show aims to drive home more than just numbers and letters, but also lessons in diversity and self-acceptance. Watch Lupita’s appearance on the next page.