representation

Megan Piphus Peace stands on the set of <em>Sesame Street</em> with her character, 6-year-old Gabrielle.

Sesame Street's first Black female puppeteer wants to keep inspiration flowing

Ayesha Rascoe

This month marks one year since Megan Piphus Peace joined the cast. She praises how the show discusses topics like race for children — and she herself is being inspired for a new chapter.

Bruno the Brake Car is the first autistic character on the <em>Thomas & Friends</em> TV series. "He is funny, smart, and he's a very relaxed character," says Elliott Garcia, who voices the character for the show's U.K. version.

Thomas the Tank Engine and Peppa Pig welcome friends with autism and two mommies

Bill Chappell

The beloved children's TV shows are adding diverse new characters that reflect real people more fully. On Thomas & Friends, child actors with autism will voice the new character, Bruno the Brake Car.

The Muslim Women On-Screen Test is a new way to evaluate portrayals of Muslim women on-screen and address harmful stereotypes in media.

Arts & Culture

A new test looks at the way Muslim women are portrayed onscreen

Juana Summers

The few Muslim women in American television shows or movies tend to be portrayed in contexts of oppression. A new test seeks assess the onscreen representation of Muslim women.

Sarah Audelo, seen during a 2016 event when she held a top role at Rock The Vote, has spent years in Democratic politics. She is stepping down from her current role as the executive director at Alliance for Youth Action to make way for younger leaders.

She's been on the front lines of the Democratic Party's struggles with representation

Juana Summers

Sarah Audelo has spent years behind the scenes in Democratic politics. She's the first Latina to lead the Alliance for Youth Action and is stepping down to make room for younger leaders.