Jesse Jackson's 'I Am Somebody' Moment on Sesame Street

Long before viral videos, one moment on Sesame Street gave millions of children a message they'd carry for life.

In 1971, civil rights leader Jesse Jackson stood on the iconic steps of 123 Sesame Street with a group of children. He taught them a call-and-response chant written by Rev. William Holmes Borders Sr. called "I Am Somebody."

The children's voices rang out with words that still resonate today. "I may be poor, but I am Somebody! I may be young, but I am Somebody! I may make a mistake, but I am Somebody!"

The chant continued with a powerful reminder about respect and dignity. "I must be respected, protected, never rejected. I am God's child. I am Somebody!"

Sesame Street had always been different from other children's shows. From its first episode, it showed the world as it could be, not just as it was.

Black families, white families, and blue monsters lived together as neighbors. Children with Down syndrome appeared regularly when other shows wouldn't feature them. Deaf residents communicated with sign language that everyone in the neighborhood understood.

But this moment with Jackson took the show's mission even deeper. It wasn't just about teaching letters and numbers anymore.

Why This Inspires

The beauty of this moment lies in its simplicity and truth. Every child who watched learned that their value isn't determined by their circumstances, their age, or their mistakes.

Jackson delivered a message that children desperately needed to hear then and still need today. Your worth is inherent, not earned.

The segment became one of Sesame Street's most powerful lessons. It taught children that dignity and self-respect belong to everyone, no exceptions.

The words "I Am Somebody" gave children language to affirm their own value. For kids growing up in poverty, facing discrimination, or feeling invisible, those three words were revolutionary.

Sesame Street understood something profound about education. Teaching children to believe in themselves matters just as much as teaching them to count to ten.

Decades later, the video still moves people to tears. Parents share it with their children, teachers play it in classrooms, and adults watch it when they need reminding of their own worth.

The lesson remains as urgent today as it was in 1971: every person deserves respect, protection, and recognition of their inherent value.