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 Street’s inception back in 1969, the educational children’s puppet show has seen a plethora of famous faces visit its fictional address. Most recently, an announcement was made that “One of Them Days” star and singer SZA and “Black Panther” star Michael B. Jordan would be stopping by soon and that got our wheels turning.

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Samuel L. Jackson, John David and Malcolm Washington on ‘The Piano Lesson,’ Family and Legacy

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 we’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

1998- Patti LaBelle Sings the ABCs

1996- Ray Charles Helps Elmo Believe in Himself

1997- Whoopi Goldberg and Elmo Discuss Loving Their Own Skin

1973- Stevie Wonder Teaches Grover How to Scat Sing

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

1981- Diana Ross Gives Big Bird a Boost of Confidence

1998- Lauryn Hill and the Fugees on “ElmoPalooza”

2015- Pharrell Williams Shares the Power of Books and Reading

2010- Usher and Elmo Talk the Importance of Volunteering

2022- Samuel L. Jackson Sings About Hair

2014- Janelle Monae Sings About the Power of Possibility

1978- Michael Jackson Visits for a Christmas Special

2002- Destiny’s Child Kicks It With Elmo and Friends

1992- Queen Latifah Raps With Prairie and Merry Monster

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