### The Return of “Alma’s Way”: A Vibrant Journey Begins
As “Alma’s Way” makes its highly anticipated return on Monday, PBS KIDS is set to delight young viewers with Season 3. This Emmy-nominated series is deeply anchored in themes of history, identity, and the everyday moments that help children navigate their surroundings. Set against the lively backdrop of the Bronx, the episodes address a range of cultural topics—from Black cowboy history to personal expressions of identity, particularly through hair.
### Sonia Manzano’s Vision
Created by Sonia Manzano, a veteran of “Sesame Street,” and produced by Fred Rogers Productions, “Alma’s Way” champions cultural specificity without reducing it to mere lessons. Manzano emphasizes the importance of authenticity in storytelling. “The Bronx has so many different kinds of people in it,” she notes. Authentic representation is crucial, as it allows children to see the richness of their community reflected on screen.
### Embracing Diversity in the Bronx
While the show’s central family is Puerto Rican, Manzano insists the diverse voices of the Bronx are integral to the storytelling. She points out the changing dynamics in local bodegas and the community’s evolving landscape, highlighting that “there’s so much happening there,” and that it’s essential to embrace that diversity.
### Episode Spotlight: “Cowboy Howard”
The Season 3 premiere episode, titled “Cowboy Howard,” aims to educate young viewers about Black cowboy culture, a topic that Supervising Producer Olubunmi Mia Olufemi considers timely and urgent. The dialogue about who belongs in country music circles has gained momentum, and this episode seeks to enrich that conversation by introducing children to the historical contributions of Black cowboys.
Olufemi shares her own lack of exposure to such history growing up, remarking, “You never knew there were people of color in cowboy history.” The commitment to accuracy led the “Alma’s Way” team to work closely with Aisha McElroy from the Black Cowboy Coalition, ensuring a respectful and informative portrayal of Black cowboy life.
### Real Connections with Historical Figures
“Cowboy Howard” is designed not just to present history, but to connect it to children’s realities. As Olufemi explains, the episode allows a character to encounter a real cowboy in the Bronx, making the historical context accessible and relatable. Manzano reinforces this idea, noting, “Children live in the same world we do… they see what’s going on around them.”
### Celebrating Cowboy Culture Beyond Stereotypes
Importantly, “Cowboy Howard” reframes what cowboy culture means for children today. Manzano remarks that traditional images of cowboys often focus on violence and gunslinging, whereas the episode emphasizes horsemanship and the diverse cultural roots of cowboy life.
### Exploring Hair and Identity: “Junior’s Hair Salon”
Another notable episode, “Junior’s Hair Salon,” delves into discussions surrounding hair and identity, drawing inspiration from Manzano’s childhood experiences in the Bronx. Highlighting the significance of hair in personal expression, the episode seeks to empower children to embrace their unique identities.
Olufemi emphasizes the importance of these conversations for young viewers: “Your hair is an extension of you… It’s okay to notice differences.” The show encourages dialogue about hair diversity and identity, reinforcing that every variation is something to celebrate.
### Tackling Heavier Topics with Care
Season 3 also ventures into profound and potentially challenging subjects. Manzano indicates that the show will subtly address housing insecurity, illustrating community resilience through scenarios where neighbors come together during tough times. Additionally, it will touch upon the complexities of grief, presenting relatable experiences that resonate with children.
### Supporting Conversations Beyond the Screen
The creators are committed to providing resources for parents to facilitate conversations with their children after viewing the episodes. “Kids live in this world with us,” Manzano asserts. They experience loss and challenge, and it’s vital for them to have resources to navigate these emotions alongside adults.
### Looking to the Future of Public Media
Amid conversations about the changing landscape of public media, both Manzano and Olufemi remain steadfast in their mission. They express confidence in PBS’s ability to adapt while continuing to provide essential narratives. “PBS is not going anywhere,” Olufemi affirms. The focus remains on creating stories that resonate and reflect the experiences of all children.
### Watch “Alma’s Way”
“Alma’s Way” Season 3 is set to premiere this Monday on PBS KIDS, featuring intriguing episodes like “Cowboy Howard” and “Junior’s Hair Salon.” Available to stream on the PBS KIDS platform and airing according to local listings, the episodes will also be accessible on YouTube starting January 26.