Generations of Americans grew up with Fred Rogers on PBS. His stories were meant for children, but adults often left the neighborhood of make-believe learning more about themselves and what it means to be human.

It was in Mr. Rogers' neighborhood where millions met François Clemmons. The classically trained singer made history in 1968, becoming the first Black man with a recurring role on children's television.

As the country wrestles with inclusion and representation, and public media faces serious threats to its federal funding, I sat down with him this spring, just ahead of his 80th birthday, to ask him about his groundbreaking journey.

We started with the fateful day in Pittsburgh when he first met Fred Rogers.

François Clemmons: He was very pleased to meet me 'cause I did a conce

See Full Page