- Announcer: And now, a message from Arthur.
- I gotta call Buster!
- Hey, Arthur.
- Hey, Buster.
Did you see that video?
- Yeah; I just watched it. It was awful.
I can't believe someone would be hurt like that
just because they're Black!
- Racism is so unfair!
No one should ever judge someone
by the color of their skin!
- But how could it happen here, in Ellwood City!
Right outside the Sugar Bowl!
- Buster, it happens everywhere.
I was talking to Mrs. MacGrady the other day.
She said there's a really long history of Black people
not being treated fairly in this country.
- It has to stop!
- We have to do something!
- Yeah!
But, what can we do?
I mean, I'm eight; I can't even fry an egg on my own!
- I don't know.
[Arthur gasps] Maybe Mrs. MacGrady can give us some ideas!
Hold on! [keyboard clacking]
- Hello, boys.
I'm so glad you reached out to me.
Yes, I saw the video, too.
And, let me tell you, it made my blood boil!
- Me, too!
- It also made me scared.
I mean, this happened in our neighborhood.
- It is scary, Buster.
But you should know a lot of grown-ups are fighting racism
and working hard to keep us all safe.
- Why does this keep happening, Mrs. MacGrady?
- Well, racism is like a disease.
If you don't treat it, it's just going to get worse.
- Wait! If racism is a disease, can I get it?
- Buster, don't worry, this isn't about you.
- Actually, it is. It's about all of us.
It's not enough to just say,
"I'm not racist; it's not my problem."
We have to actively fight against racism.
As my friend, John Lewis, once said,
"If you see something that is not right,
"not fair, not just,
"you have a moral obligation to do something about it."
- So, what can we do?
- Well, one of the most important things
is what you're doing right now.
- Eating carrot sticks?
- [laughs] I mean talking about it.
Talk about racism with your friends,
your parents, your teachers.
Don't be afraid to ask questions.
We all have a lot to learn about this issue.
Also, listen.
Listen to people who have experienced racism firsthand.
Imagine what it would be like if it happened to you
or someone you love.
And finally, act.
When you see or hear of someone being treated unfairly,
stand up for them, say something.
It might be scary, but I guarantee you,
it's better for everyone.
And, it's the right thing to do.
- Wow! You really inspired me!
- Yeah! Thank you, Mrs. MacGrady!
- I'm going to talk with my parents about this right now.
Hey, Mom...
- Me, too! Bye!
- Whoa! That's it?!
I was just getting going.
Remember, kids: talk, listen, and act.
If we work together, we can make a difference.
And eat those carrots, too!
[laughs]
[computer beeps]
- Announcer: Explore more with Arthur
on the PBS Kids Video app.