Sesame Workshop will host its 18th Annual Benefit on Wednesday, Jun .2, inviting attendees to celebrate and reflect on Coming Together, the organization’s ongoing commitment to racial justice. Held virtually for the first time, the event will be hosted by Gayle King and include special guests Michelle Obama, John Oliver and Jon Batiste.
Artist and activist John Legend will be presented with the Joan Ganz Cooney Award, named for Sesame Street’s co-creator, and Procter & Gamble will be honored with this year’s Corporate Leadership Award. The evening will also feature a poetry reading by Amanda Gorman and additional musical entertainment from Jimmy Fallon and The Roots, along with the Sesame Street Muppets.
“As the painful events of the last year unfolded, we knew Sesame Workshop could play a role in helping children and families grapple with the difficult issue of racism and racial inequity,” said Sesame Workshop President, Sherrie Westin. “With Coming Together, we have deepened our fundamental commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, to directly address racism and provide all-new content and resources to help children understand and appreciate their own identities and those of others. As a nonprofit organization, we are indebted to our partners and donors for making this work possible.
Tickets are available to the general public now. Proceeds raised from the benefit will help Sesame Workshop deliver on its mission to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger and kinder.
