This Arkansas man decided to continue his work as the Black Santa despite facing racist comments from other people. Chris Kennedy is known for his passion for working as a professional Santa Claus.
Kennedy, a North Little Rock, Arkansas resident, started his passion in 2021 and is now in his third year as the well-known "Santa Chris."
As of writing, he still attends local as well as out-of-state events to bring joy to young Americans. Here's how the Santa Claus story of Kennedy Chris began.
Arkansas Man Continues Being Black Santa Claus Despite Racism
According to The Guardian's latest report, Chris started dressing up as Santa Claus in 2021. But, before this, Chris and his beloved wife faced racism from their neighbors.
In 2020, Chris and his wife, Iddy Kennedy, received a racist note regarding a Black Santa inflatable they placed outside their residence. He said they intentionally displayed Christmas decorations with Black representations for their 7-year-old daughter.
"Even in fictional characters like Santa, Black kids need to see themselves reflected," explained Kennedy.
The Arkansas man explained that this should be done, especially since traditional media didn't have enough diversity to include people of color.
The bigoted letter they received said that Chris and his family should take down the Black Santa inflatable, claiming that he was trying to deceive other kids into believing that Santa Claus was a Black man.
After that, he decided to post the incident on social media, which quickly went viral. Luckily, Chris' neighbors were supportive. Many even placed Black Santa Claus statues and inflatables in their yards.
"We [wanted to] send the message that not only are we not taking our decorations down, but now [I was] going to be Santa Claus," said Chris.
Chris Kennedy's Santa Claus Career
Chris Kennedy's Santa Claus career boomed ever since he decided to become a Black Santa. After just one season as Santa Claus in 2022, he appeared at over 250 events.
On November 2, Chris said he was already booked for television shows and other events on weekends. One is at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Aside from him, his beloved wife also established a successful career as Mrs. Claus. Meanwhile, her daughter is starting her passion as a head elf of Santa Claus.
More Non-White Santa Claus Appears
NBC News reported that more and more people are breaking the white Santa Claus tradition. Aside from Black Santas, other individuals are starting to put up non-white Santa decorations.
Some can be seen at the center of malls, while others are on holiday products. Macy's is one of the department store companies that support the rise of non-white Santa Clauses.
"At Macy's, we believe that Santa is all things to all people who find joy in his goodness and kindness," said Macy's Santaland Production Operations Director Kathleen Wright.
