This is precisely what the children need!
The Obamas are set to release a new animated series teaching children about the government.
We the People” is a new animated series from Barack and Michelle Obama in partnership with Chris Nee, the creator of the popular Disney series “Doc McStuffins.” The series mission is to educate the younger generation about the power of people through government.
“[‘We the People’ is an] exuberant call to action for everyone to rethink civics as a living, breathing thing and to reframe their understanding of what government and citizenship mean in a modern world,” a statement from Netflix reads.
The series is comprised of 10 three-minute episodes discussing U.S. civics lessons through animation. The series also has the backing of major artists with an original soundtrack, including H.E.R., Janelle Monae, Brandi Carlile, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Adam Lambert, Cordae, Bebe Rexha, KYLE, Andra Day, and poet Amanda Gorman.
Educator and activist Alfred Shivy Brooks spoke to H.E.R. for Because Of Them We Can on why she felt called to work on this project.
She said that the power of music could change perspectives, and this is a great opportunity to teach the next generation about civics.
“To me, it starts with knowledge. There’s a whole lot of noise and opinions, and we can’t really focus on what needs to happen. To me, the foundation of change and what needs to happen is compassion…I think everything else will follow when you mix knowledge and compassion,” the Grammy Award winner said. “Sometimes we think that we are showing love, being positive and supporting different communities [but] sometimes we are contributing to the problem because of the lack of knowledge.”
She added, “With a project like this, and with music we’re creating…we are already making changes in our community because we are taking the time to talk and learn and educate ourselves.”
“We the People” is the latest offering from The Obamas’ Higher Ground Production. In 2018, the Forever President and First Lady inked a multi-year production deal with Netflix to produce original content. Their first documentary, “American Factory,” won an Oscar last year, and another documentary from Higher Ground, “Crip Camp,” was nominated for the best documentary feature this year. They have also released the animated healthy eating series “Waffles + Mochi” and are working with Nee on another series, “Ada Twist, Scientist,” about a young Black scientist who solves mysteries.
Check out the full interview below.
“We the People” launches July 4th on Netflix.
Photo Courtesy of Netflix