The Origin of Black Santa
I want my gifts. Well, I wanted them yesterday but that’s beside the point.
Where's Santa? The big man with the beard is always plump and sporting pale-colored skin. As society progresses there has been an uptick in the variety of representation in models of Santa. Toys with different skin tones have opened the door to an all-inclusive Christmas.
During the 19th Century, Black Santa slowly became a part of African-American culture to promote black empowerment. Most people would have you believe that it was started by black people, but it happened differently. It was made by a racial publication that made it seem as if “Blanta” would steal from families instead of giving to them. Despite being besmirched, Black folx used it as a positive. By supporting the community and sending efforts to the war, they turned a negative into something worth keeping around.
So as we usher in the new season, if there are any negatives let's turn them into a positive.
Check out these Black owned shops to purchase Black figurines of your own!
Article source: Washington Post
