For over five decades, Sonia Manzano has been creating content that enriches the lives of Latine children everywhere. From the calles of “Sesame Street,” where she took on the mantle of Maria, to the Bronx neighborhood in “Alma’s Way,” Manzano has made children’s programming her life’s purpose.
Now in its second season, “Alma’s Way” continues to explore the importance of intergenerational family bonds in an authentic and relatable way. The author, actress, and screenwriter shared her experience as a Latina in the entertainment industry and how she hopes to nurture children’s sense of identity and self-worth.
How did your experiences playing Maria on Sesame Street shape your perspective on children’s programming, and how have those experiences influenced your work on Alma’s Way?
A Sesame Street motto was “Never talk down to children.” We assume the “Alma’s Way” audience is smart and can pick up both obvious and subtle information.
As a Latina in the entertainment industry, what challenges have you faced in ensuring authentic representation of our community, and how do you see Alma’s Way contributing to this effort?
As a Latina in the entertainment industry one is often questioned about the most unimportant things. [For example,] is it okay to use the term of endearment Titi for Tía or Aunt when not all Latin people use it? These conversations are a waste of time. Thankfully, “Alma’s Way” head writer Jorge Aguirre is Latin and we have a host of diverse writers — so it’s easier for all to be on the same page, quicker.
“Alma’s Way” emphasizes the importance of family, particularly in the relationship between Alma and her grandparents. How can Latina mothers use the show to strengthen intergenerational connections within their own families?
Watch the show as a family and have conversations about it. For example, a grandparent might compare their behavior with Alma’s when they were children. A parent might say, “I’d never do what Alma did; what would you do?” Don’t just talk about the plot lines. Talk about the music, the clothes characters wear, the way they decorate their homes. All these things can be food for thought and topics for discussion.
Where do you find inspiration for the characters and stories in “Alma’s Way,” and how do you see these stories empowering young Latinas?
I always go to my personal experiences. I hope young Latinas seeing specific experiences in others makes them trust their own instinct.
What message would you like to send to Latina mothers who are raising the next generation, particularly in nurturing their children’s sense of identity and self-worth?
Empower little ones by letting them pick their own seat on the bus, press the elevator button, and be responsible for helping you carry an appropriate-sized bag of groceries to the car or sort recyclables. They’ll get the message they are important and can manipulate the world.