December 11th 2023.
These moms are making sure that their Black and mixed-raced children are exposed to Black Santa Clauses this holiday season. Representation is key, even during the festive period, and they are taking action to ensure that their children are exposed to these figures.
NBC News spoke with these mothers about the importance of giving their children a Santa Claus that looks like them. Erin Carpenter, the founder of Nude Bar and a mom of two in New York City, said the Harlem School of the Arts dance classes provide them with "easy access" to a Black Claus for the season. She hopes she can provide her children with experiences that don't feel forced.
Carpenter's own mother did the same for her when she was younger and she appreciates the progress that has been made to highlight representation during the holidays. Her five-year-old daughter now has the option to get a Santa Claus that looks like her and that is a huge step forward.
Mariyah Gerber, mom to two-year-old Aiden in Queen Creek, Arizona, experienced something similar with her grandmother when she was a kid. Her grandmother used to paint Santas and now her son has the options to get a Santa that looks like him.
Her husband, Peter Gerber, who is not Black, fully understands the importance of a Black Santa Claus to his wife. He even surprised Mariyah with a holiday gear featuring a Black Santa Claus in a video on TikTok. This shows that when it comes to parenting, being on the same page can make all the difference.
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