CBeebies praised for powerful anti-racism message

CBeebies, the BBC’s children’s channel aimed at pre-schoolers, has been praised for a new anti-racism video it aired on television today.

The 54-second video, hosted by regular presenter Ben Cajee who returned to the CBeebies studio for the first time in 12 weeks yesterday, was later shared online with the caption: “A message from our house to yours.”

“Here at the CBeebies House we often say that everyone is welcome because we believe that everyone is different and that everyone is equal,” Cajee begins. Watch the video below.

The video comes as conversations about racial equality continue around the world following the murder of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis Police in America.

32-year-old Cajee, who has been a host on CBeebies since 2015, continues: “It doesn’t matter what you look like, what you sound like, or where you come from, and some people are treated unfairly just because of the colour of their skin; and they shouldn’t be.”

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“I know that seeing a person for who they really are and how they make you feel, is beautiful. And I think it’s really important to talk to your friends and family about these things too because when we work together, we can create change and we can build a better and kinder world for the future; and I’m hopeful for that.”

“Because I believe in you,” Cajee emotionally concludes, “because one day you will be older and you will be looking after the world and all the people in it.”

Cajee retweeted the video saying the message had come “straight from my heart”.

The video has been met with widespread praise on social media.

“I love you guys so much for this!! Ben is a fabulous ambassador,” said one commenter on Facebook.

“Wish I could love this a hundred thousand times,” said another on Twitter.

Many followers said they would be sharing the video with their children.