Image is everything, especially when it comes to children.  The images created to influence and entertain impressionable young minds help kids define who they are.  So when they see someone who looks like them on screen, teaching them a lesson or explaining a worry away, it leaves a huge  impression.   Today the number of African-American characters on television show just how far we’ve come.  The Atlanta Post has gathered a few who are leaving their mark on future generations.

Kevin Clash

Kevin Clash is the man behind the monster known as Elmo.  The incredibly popular “Sesame Street” mainstay was Clash’s first main character on the children’s program, but he’s been a part of the show since 1984.  He took over as Elmo upon his formal introduction in November of 1985. Since then Clash has been awarded 9 Daytime Emmys for his performance as Elmo and Hoot the Owl. In 2006 he wrote an autobiography titled,  ”My Life as a Furry Red Monster: What Being Elmo Has Taught Me About Life, Love and Laughing Out Loud”.

Let’s face it, as a parent you have to have some tolerance for the shows your kids watch. I grew up on “Sesame Street” and Big Bird, so when I gave birth to daughter, I thought she would too. Boy, was I wrong.

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