In a groundbreaking move, the Mall of America, the largest shopping center in the U.S., has introduced its very first Black Santa, a delightful addition to their renowned “Santa Experience.” Enter Larry Jefferson, a professional Santa who decided to don the red suit after retiring from a military career in 2014. He’s been spreading joy since he was a kid himself, stepping into the role of Santa at the tender age of 12 when his father was ill. Years later, he bought a Santa costume for $30 to bring cheer to his ailing nephews—talk about a holiday hero!
“I just happen to be a Santa of color,” Jefferson shared with The Huffington Post. He believes that seeing a Santa who reflects various backgrounds gives children someone to connect with. “Kids are innocent and they just love Santa,” he said, emphasizing that Santa remains the same, regardless of his skin color. One mom even told him she had waited 25 years to see a Black Santa! Others traveled for hours to make sure their kids could meet him, proving that representation matters.
A spokesperson from the Mall of America indicated they aim to provide a Santa for everyone. They’re even open to adding a Latino or Asian Santa in the future, all in the spirit of spreading joy and inclusiveness. Remember when Fox anchor Megyn Kelly stirred up a debate about Santa’s race? She insisted that Santa is inherently white, despite the fact that he’s a fictional character who can embody any culture we wish.
Jefferson recalls a moment when a child looked surprised and said, “Santa? I didn’t know you were brown!” to which he replied, “Yes, I am brown. And Santa comes in many different colors.” His sentiment echoes a growing need for more diverse Santas—because let’s face it, kids should see Santa reflect the beautiful tapestry of America.
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In summary, the introduction of Larry Jefferson as the Mall of America’s first Black Santa marks an important step towards inclusivity in holiday traditions. His story highlights the joy of representation, ensuring that every child can see a Santa that looks like them.