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Black Celebs Who Stopped By Sesame Street Through The Years, Including SZA, Michael B. Jordan and More

With the looming threat of the longtime Sesame Street no longer being available to viewers, we look back on some its best moments.

SZA with Oscar the Grouch, left; Michael B. Jordan with Count Von Count. Photo: Sesame Workshop

Since Sesame Streetโ€™s inception back in 1969, the educational childrenโ€™s puppet show has seen a plethora of famous faces visit its fictional address. Most recently, an announcement was made that โ€œOne of Them Daysโ€ star and singer SZA and โ€œBlack Pantherโ€ star Michael B. Jordan would be stopping by soon and that got our wheels turning.

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Stefon Diggs and Cardi B Viral Boat Video Prompts Response from Patriots Coach
Stefon Diggs and Cardi B Viral Boat Video Prompts Response from Patriots Coach

From the 70s up until now, Sesame Street has had some pretty memorable moments when it comes to Black celebs (which only makes sense considering the show was rooted in Black culture to begin with). So we thought weโ€™d take a trip down memory lane and enjoy some of those best guest spots!

1969- James Earl Jones Becomes 1st Guest Ever to Visit Sesame Street

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y4C2Oa1uiQk

1998- Patti LaBelle Sings the ABCs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0hYxuDav0g

1996- Ray Charles Helps Elmo Believe in Himself

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WyB4jkcnhI

1997- Whoopi Goldberg and Elmo Discuss Loving Their Own Skin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce0yGNG_VEU

1973- Stevie Wonder Teaches Grover How to Scat Sing

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5sks4wK4Lc

2015- Michelle Obama Teaches Grover the Importance of a Balanced Breakfast

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaTMdOeZzVo

1981- Diana Ross Gives Big Bird a Boost of Confidence

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-kPYbQri3U

1998- Lauryn Hill and the Fugees on โ€œElmoPaloozaโ€

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJac6IkcZOE

2015- Pharrell Williams Shares the Power of Books and Reading

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DhSk2mHtHo

2010- Usher and Elmo Talk the Importance of Volunteering

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cysG5M1PFA

2022- Samuel L. Jackson Sings About Hair

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AJ0UvJzKCk

2014- Janelle Monae Sings About the Power of Possibility

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLeUvZvuvAs

1978- Michael Jackson Visits for a Christmas Special

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aF1R424uYTc

2002- Destinyโ€™s Child Kicks It With Elmo and Friends

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNl8rODXIBk

1992- Queen Latifah Raps With Prairie and Merry Monster

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14jRHrs48wE

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