On June 23, 2020, Nickelodeon‘s Nick News announced that they will premiere a special Black Lives Matter presentation. The special, Kids, Race and Unity: A Nick News Special, will be hosted by singer and social justice advocate, Alicia Keys.
Said claims, “I’ve had a vision of a forum that can engage kids during this time and help to focus our attention on how they might be feeling, and this Nick News special is it!” She continues, “Talking about race can be sensitive and uncomfortable; and sometimes we try to protect our children from racism they are already experiencing,” she continued. “But honestly, there is no way around this topic if we want to move forward in any kind of meaningful way. What’s happening in the world is not just a problem for the Black community, it’s all of our problem and we ALL have to care about it in order to change it! This is such an important, vulnerable, honest and beautiful conversation, and I know many families may be searching for the right way to enter it. Let’s really deep dive together.”
The special will include conversations that shares the experiences of Black children across the country. These will be raw and uncut discussions on topics regarding systemic racism and police brutality. The program will include real children and their families who are seeking refuge from the special guests panel.
According to People, The special will feature the co-founders of the Black Lives Matter movement Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza and Opal Tometi. They will “offer tools for families to have constructive conversations about race and inclusivity; and highlight teen activists who are fighting racial injustice.”
Kids, Race and Unity: A Nick News Special is executive produced by Fernita Wynn and Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson.
The special premieres Monday June 29 at 7 p.m. ET/PT on Nickelodeon, TeenNick, and Nicktoons. The special will be available on Nickelodeon YouTube, Nick On Demand, the Nick App and the Nick Pluto TV channel following the premiere.