Growing up Puerto Rican in the South Bronx of the 1950s and 60s was tough. Poverty, alcoholism, domestic violence, and being the "invisible minority" were daily occurrences. Yet Sonia Manzano found her refuge in the performing arts, and the young dancer was poised to accept the job of a lifetime when the Children's Television Workshop cast her as Maria on the now-acclaimed Sesame Street children's program. After four decades of performing on PBS, author Manzano reflects on the importance of children of color seeing themselves represented in the media--both on the stage and behind the camera.
“My time spent with the Feel Like You Belong show was not only fun and engaging, but also important. The topics that were covered are really close to my heart, and the message that they bring to the world is absolutely essential.”
– Richard Blanco, Inaugural Poet, Obama 2nd Inauguration (photo credit: ew.com)
FeelLikeYouBelong.com archives all our TV programming along with acculturation tips, language exercises, and resources—all geared to connecting newcomers and making them feel welcome, all the while giving U.S. natives fascinating insights into their own culture and language.
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About Alan
Alan Headbloom is an interculturalist and applied linguist building international bridges across a variety of industries. He gives workshops on global communication as well as domestic HR issues such as bias and microaggressions in the workplace.
Learn more about Alan here, and on his website: headbloom.com.
Follow Alan on Twitter: @headbloom
Share your story of adaptation and belonging by using the form provided on the Contact page.
COMING SOON
Melissa Hahn, Interculturalist
Melissa Hahn has traveled the world and learned (sometimes the hard way) how to interact across global cultures. She leverages this knowledge in her day job at Hahn Cultural Consulting. She joins Alan to share 5 Tips for Newcomers to the United States.
