ALU, black fragrance
by Ahsan Washington

December 8, 2025

The Ultimate Gift Guide To Black-Owned Fragrance Brands

Black fragrance is a vibe.

Our Black-Owned Holiday Gift Guide presents 10 exceptional fragrance brands on day six of BLACK ENTERPRISE’s 12 Days of Gifting. 

Wearing Black fragrance is so much more than just smelling good. It’s identity, expression, cultural pride, and an investment in Black companies. 

Our support for Black-owned brands go beyond gifting, but the holiday season is a good start to help sustain Black business and economic forces that contribute to the growth and success in Black community and industry.

Fenty Beauty

Part of Rihanna’s gigantic Fenty Beauty, Fenty perfume is distributed through its worldwide retail stores and regular beauty markets. Through its fragrance expansion, Fenty maintains cultural significance and representation while reaching a wide mainstream audience.

World of Chris Collins

The luxury niche fragrance line World of Chris Collins was established by former model-turned-perfumer Chris Collins to provide unisex and men’s scents. The colognes distinguish themselves in the market through their deep complexity and sophisticated, rich notes. The brand sells its products through international online platforms while maintaining its identity as a luxury scent house. World of Chris Collins emerged as part of the recent expansion of Black-owned niche perfumeries in the market. This brand serves fragrance enthusiasts who seek intricate, refined scents through its bold, layered, elegant fragrances.

Savoir Faire

Chris Classic established Savoir Faire, hand-blended unisex fragrances that use higher oil concentration to achieve extended longevity with gentle sillage and adaptable wearability. The collection combines various elements, including woods together with spices, herbs, and additional components. Savoir Faire began operations in the late 2010s, as Black-owned niche perfume houses began to gain recognition through online sales and directories of Black-owned fragrance brands. The brand’s mission is to create fragrances that are inclusive and personal.

Moodeaux

Brianna Arps established Moodeaux to connect scent with self-care and clean beauty. Moodeaux creates unisex clean-luxury fragrances that focus on skin health. Moodeaux operates through online sales and represents the increasing visibility of Black-owned perfume brands in clean beauty and fragrance culture. 

BROWN GIRL Jane

The Eau de Parfum collection from BROWN GIRL Jane delivers floral, fruity, warm-amber, gourmand, and fresh scent options. Customers can use the brand’s online scent quiz to find their perfect fragrance match. BROWN GIRL Jane fragrance makes an ideal gift for individuals who value heritage-based femininity and luxurious scents that deliver cultural validation.

Scent & Fire

Monisha Edwards, a Black woman entrepreneur, established Scent & Fire as a brand focused on self-love, wellness, and cultural expression. Their unisex perfumes and body products create warm experiences that promote identity and wellness through clean, inclusive formulas. Scent & Fire markets itself as a socially conscious brand that unites fragrance, personal care, and cultural identity. The founder’s personal wellness journey inspired the brand to use fragrance as a tool for mental health promotion, self-love, and cultural affirmation, while creating clean, cruelty-free products with inclusive design to address inequities in the fragrance industry.

Aromatic Perfume Oils

The Black-owned brand Aromatic Perfume Oils creates alcohol-free vegan perfume oils. These roll-on oils provide a fragrance experience that lasts longer than traditional sprays while nurturing the skin. The brand sells its products online to customers who want vegan-friendly, skin-safe fragrances. The brand joined the recent movement of independent perfume entrepreneurs by supporting active Black-owned fragrance houses. Perfume oils make a considerate gift choice for people who want gentle scents or need vegan, cruelty-free, and skin-friendly fragrances.

Mair Fragrance

Mair Fragrance represents a Black-owned niche perfume house that creates elegant fragrances, including “Peony Silk” and “Remember When.” The fragrances at Mair Fragrance aim to be wearable and subtle through their soft, sophisticated designs. Mair Fragrance offers the perfect gift for people who prefer classic, soft, sophisticated scents over loud, bold fragrances.

B Fragranced

B Fragranced is a Black-owned fragrance brand that combines fresh floral notes with fruity elements and sweet-spice undertones. Its fragrance combinations create a warm, sensual experience, making them ideal for daily use or as a light signature scent. B Fragranced continues to exist as a fragrance brand that serves people who want feminine-centric cents. 

Crowned Skin

The grooming and fragrance brand Crowned Skin combines skincare and fragrance in its “Body Butter Colognes” and “Body Oil Colognes.” The brand became well-known on TikTok. Crowned Skin quickly became famous after its April 2024 launch, fulfilling a gap in men’s grooming and fragrance products.

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Ohio Officer, Acquitted, Ta’Kiya Young
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 8, 2025

Portland Man Acquitted After Stabbing White Man Who Used Racial Slur Against Him

Gary Edwards was acquitted after a jury heard Gregory Howard Jr. use the slur on police body camera footage

A racial slur by a white man was the catalyst for a Portland jury to acquit a Black man, Gary Edwards, of assault charges after he stabbed a white man who uttered the N-word during the incident.

According to Oregon Live, Edwards, who was charged with second-degree assault for stabbing Gregory Howard Jr., will not be going to jail, once a jury saw a video of the assault and also heard Howard say the offensive word, on police camera video, although he denied saying it. The incident occurred earlier this year, during the morning hours of July 7, near a public transportation station. Edwards faced a sentence of five years and 10 months in state prison.

Edwards did admit to stabbing Howard in self-defense, but it was based on his aggressiveness toward him and calling him the N-word upon approaching him. Howard denies using the racial slur. Cameras from the station showed Edwards, with a knife at his side, approaching his adversary from behind while Howard was sitting on a bench. The video shows Howard getting up and pushing Edwards after sighting him, as the two start fighting. There was no audio, but it showed Howard being stabbed in the shoulder by Edwards.

Edwards’s attorney, Daniel Small, told the jury during the trial that Edwards was going to Howard to offer him his knife in exchange for some cigarettes. He also stated that, although Howard said he didn’t use the N-word against his client, video evidence from police officers after they arrived on the scene disproved that. However, police officers’ body cameras recorded Howard clearly saying the word when he told officers what transpired before they arrived on the scene.

“What other than racism could explain why Mr. Howard perceived hatred, animosity, and aggression from a complete stranger?” Small asked the jury. 

Both men, who have struggled through homelessness, are not strangers to the prison system, as they each have been arrested multiple times over the years. In 2012, Edwards was convicted of attempted second-degree assault and was sentenced to three years in prison for another stabbing at the Skidmore Fountain MAX platform in May 2020. After being accused of fourth-degree assault for an incident with a clerk at Old Town’s Helen’s Market, his case was dismissed in June because there were no public defenders available to take his case. 

Meanwhile, Howard has been arrested numerous times in recent years, and he was also convicted of felony rape of a child in Washington’s Kitsap County in 1997.

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Minimum Wage, Rent, Housing, Georgia
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 8, 2025

Metro Atlanta County Using ‘Master’s Rule’ For Homeowners To Rent Tax-Free During World Cup

Fayette County in Metro Atlanta will use the "Master's Rule" tax code for homeowners to rent out their properties tax-free.

One county in Metro Atlanta will use a special rule to help homeowners get an extra boost of income during the upcoming World Cup.

Fayette County wants local homeowners to take advantage of the influx of visitors to Atlanta as the city hosts the FIFA World Cup next summer. With hotels and other short-term rentals expected to sell out as millions watch the games, Fayette County homeowners can also get into the accommodation game.

Homeowners can list their own residences as available lodging options and get a tax break for doing so. Through a federal tax code called “Master’s Rule,” homeowners can rent their homes for up to 14 nights a year without paying any state or federal taxes on the income made.

County officials made the announcement months in advance to prepare locals for the soccer fans flocking to the area. Furthermore, they want homeowners to cash in on this money-making opportunity that also helps address a potential lodging shortage throughout the metro area.

“I want people to understand the gravity and magnitude of how big it will be when the World Cup comes to Atlanta,” shared Eric Dial, head of Fayette Forward, to WSB-TV.

The city is already prepping interested renters through a new platform, SoccerHousingBureau.com, as homeowners already put their houses on the rental market. To get on the site, local homeowners must register their properties and prepare the homes through a rental checklist provided by the Bureau.

Afterward, they will be matched with qualified guests and earn money from a short-term rental opportunity through the Master’s Rule.

Properties around Fayette County appear especially marketable given their proximity to the U.S. Soccer Federation’s new headquarters and training center. For fans who want to stay near the action, homes in this vicinity make prime rental options. Furthermore, the county’s suburban landscape features larger homes that accommodate larger parties more comfortably.

To apply, homeowners must pay a $30 application fee, plus a 5% listing fee on all bookings. Suggested rental rates can range from the mid $400s to upwards of $15,000 a night for homes with five or more bedrooms. Premiums can be added to the nightly rate for homes with exceptional amenities, such as pools, hot tubs, and golf carts.

Atlanta will host eight matches for the FIFA World Cup, including one semfinal, starting on June 15.

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Black Mayor, Alabama, City Hall,lawsuit, election
by Mitti Hicks

December 8, 2025

History Made In South Carolina As One Town Elects First African American And Youngest Mayor All At Once

According to the South Carolina Conference of Black Mayors, the nonprofit organization representing African American mayors in South Carolina, there are currently 57 mayors who serve 275,180 constituents statewide.

History was made in Latta, South Carolina. According to the unofficial results from the Dillon County Election and Voter Registration Office, the town elected Marcus McGirt as mayor, making him the town’s first African American mayor. McGirt says he’s also the youngest mayor ever elected.

In a close race between McGirt and newcomer Rick Watson, McGirt gained 197 votes to Watson’s 137, WPDE reported.

“I am deeply honored to be elected as the first African American Mayor of the Town of Latta, and also the youngest African American Mayor in our town’s history,” McGirt wrote in a heartfelt thank you post on Facebook. “This moment is truly momentous, not just for me, but for every young boy and girl who sees themselves reflected in this victory.”

According to the South Carolina Conference of Black Mayors, a nonprofit organization representing African American mayors in South Carolina, there are currently 57 mayors serving 275,180 constituents statewide.

“As Mayor-elect, I promise to listen, to work tirelessly, and to lead with integrity, transparency, and compassion,” McGirt adds. “The best days of Latta are not behind us—they are ahead of us. And I am ready to walk that path with you.”

History of Black People In Latta, South Carolina

Located in South Carolina’s historically agriculturally rich Pee Dee region, near the North Carolina border, Latta is a town of around 1,300 people. Approximately 40% of the town’s population is Black.

In 1889, Robert Rose Bethea, a respected merchant, was appointed as Latta’s first Black postmaster.

Latta, South Carolina, is home to Latimer School, a Black educational institution. The Latimer School was the only school for Black residents of Dillon County from its construction in 1954 until integration in 1970. The school provided vital opportunities for students and served as a community hub.

The school complex was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 20, 2024, highlighting its importance in African American history. There are efforts currently underway to preserve the school’s history and structure.

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Rafael Ithier, El Gran Combo, Puerto Rico, bandleader, El Maestro
by Keka Araújo

December 8, 2025

Don Rafael Ithier, Afro-Puerto Rican ‘El Maestro’ Of Salsa And Founder of El Gran Combo, Passes at 98

Ithier was a pioneer who helped construct the very bedrock of the salsa genre. 

The Latin music world has lost a musical master with the passing of Rafael Ithier, the legendary founder, pianist, and musical director of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. 

Known universally as “El Maestro,” Ithier died at age 98, concluding a monumental six-decade career that cemented his position as one of the most consequential architects of contemporary salsa.

The famous Afro-Puerto Rican bandleader’s death was announced in his native language of Spanish via Instagram on Dec. 7. Itihier died the day before. 

“COMUNICADO OFICIAL.El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. Con profundo pesar confirmamos el fallecimiento de nuestro fundador, maestro y patriarca musical, Don Rafael Ithier Natal. Hoy despedimos no solo a un gran músico, sino al arquitecto de un sonido que marcó generaciones, un líder cuya disciplina, visión y amor por la salsa forjaron la historia de El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico y de la música latina en el mundo.” Translation: OFFICIAL STATEMENT. El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. With profound sorrow, we confirm the passing of our founder, maestro, and musical patriarch, Don Rafael Ithier Natal. Today we say goodbye not only to a great musician, but to the architect of a sound that defined generations, a leader whose discipline, vision, and love for salsa forged the history of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico and of Latin music worldwide.”

“The caption continued, “A nombre de su familia y de todos los integrantes de El Gran Combo, queremos expresar nuestro más sincero agradecimiento por las incontables muestras de solidaridad, cariño y respeto que hemos recibido. Cada mensaje, cada recuerdo y cada expresión de apoyo han sido un abrazo para todos nosotros en este momento de profundo dolor.” Translation: On behalf of his family and all the members of El Gran Combo, we want to express our deepest gratitude for the countless expressions of solidarity, affection, and respect we have received. Every message, every memory, and every expression of support has been a comforting embrace for all of us during this time of profound grief.”

“El legado de Don Rafael Ithier permanecerá intacto, vivo y eterno en cada tarima, en cada nota y en cada corazón que alguna vez bailó, cantó o se emocionó con su música. Su historia continúa. Con respeto y gratitud, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.” Translation: “Don Rafael Ithier’s legacy will remain intact, alive, and eternal on every stage, in every note, and in every heart that has ever danced, sung, or been moved by his music. His story continues. With respect and gratitude, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico.”

Ithier’s artistic perspicacity and rigorous leadership transformed El Gran Combo into “La Universidad de la Salsa,” a cultural institution and global emissary for the richness of Puerto Rican rhythm and musical excellence.

Born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, on Aug. 29, 1926, Ithier was a gifted, autodidactic pianist whose professional career began at 18. His Afro-Puerto Rican stature in music circles was first established in 1955 as the pianist for the celebrated ensemble led by Rafael Cortijo and Ismael Rivera — two other prominent Black Puerto Rican musicians.

In 1962, amid internal turmoil within the Cortijo orchestra, Ithier co-founded El Gran Combo. He became the singular, constant presence, steering the orchestra through the production of over 50 studio recordings, countless international itineraries, and numerous roster permutations—including the integration of vocal titans like Andy Montañez and Charlie Aponte.

Ithier’s creativity guided the genre’s evolution, yielding classic hits such as “Brujería,” “Un Verano En Nueva York, (which popular Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny reworked into a modern take), “Me Liberé,” and “Ojos Chinos.” 

The proud Boricua’s dedication to a core musical architecture rooted in Puerto Rican identity and melodic lucidity, a structural rigidity he maintained even as salsa underwent various permutations.

“We can not and do not want modify the musical structure that has brought us success, because that is how the public want El Gran Combo to be,” Ithier once averred, emphasizing his fidelity to the band’s established signature sound.

A rare confluence of business acumen and artistic consistency characterized Ithier’s command of the orchestra. He cultivated a familial environment within the ensemble, garnering the deep reverence of musicians and producers worldwide.

In 1992, the copious contributions of Ithier and El Gran Combo to the musical canon were at the Festival De La Salsa at Madison Square Garden, confirming the orchestra’s incontrovertible icon status.

In March 2024, the University of Puerto Rico awarded El Maestro a double doctorate for his outstanding contributions to Puerto Rican music and culture.

Upon learning of El Maestro’s death, tributes from governmental officials, cultural figures, and salsa luminaries were immediately forthcoming, universally recognizing him as an indispensable pillar of Puerto Rican culture and an unparalleled orchestral conductor.

Ithier was a pioneer who helped construct the very bedrock of the salsa genre. 

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Kai Cenat, Streamer, live, twitch, stream of consciousness
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 8, 2025

Streamers Defend Kai Cenat After Asian Host Makes Wild Joke Comparing Him To Diddy

The joke was made by Asian streamer and television personality Fan Fan.

Kai Cenat is due apologies after a Streamer Awards host made an awkward joke comparing him to Sean “Diddy” Combs.

Streamer Fan Fan made the controversial reference at the Streamer Awards on Dec. 6. During the ceremony, Fan Fan was about to present an award when she decided to address Cenat in a way that did not land with the audience.

“This year, as everyone knows, you broke the record for the most expensive haircut and the least educational university,” she began speaking to Cenat in the crowd, according to Hot97.

She went on saying, “Oh, and also, congrats on your new documentary with 50 Cent. That was you, right?”

However, instead of an uproar of laughter, many in the audience fell silent over the Diddy comparison. Diddy has been in the spotlight again in the wake of the 50 Cent-produced documentary, “The Reckoning.”

A pan of the camera also caught Cenat looking unamused by the lookalike claims.

Fellow streamers quickly came to Cenat’s defense as well. Tylil James called the joke not funny immediately after Fan Fan brought the microphone over so he could speak his mind.

After making sure that the microphone was turned up, James spoke out about the harsh joke against Cenat. He asserted that if you are going to play about someone’s appearance, especially in comparison to someone infamous, at least make sure it lands.

“If you’re going to be on the mic making jokes, at least let it be funny. Have a good night,” abruptly stated James.

Fan Fan, an Asian streamer, said she found the joke funny but tried to move past the awkward moment. However, viewers also saw the moment as cringey. Some naysayers deemed the comparison unnecessary and potentially racist, especially given that Fan Fan is not Black.

“Yes, it’s cause she’s Asian and not black,” shared one X user. “And she also referenced a DOCUMENTARY that was released where people are detailing the ABUSE they suffered from SAID PERSON … NOT FUNNY.”

Another added, “It’s racism and microaggression as a form to demean his success. “Most uneducational university,” when it was one of the most watched things in the world at the time, and her comparing him to a rapist shouldn’t have even been a thought.”

Fans and streamers alike came together to defend Cenat online. Despite the controversy, the streamer kept his head high throughout the Streamer Awards, picking up multiple honors that evening. While Cenat did not explicitly mention the controversial joke, he did make mention to all the supporters in his life.

“I ain’t going to lie: to everyone that supports me genuinely, y’all make me happy as f*ck,” he said. “I appreciate that. And I know people in here aspire to be sh*t, y’all n*ggas put that foot on that fucking pedal and go. Most importantly, keep God first. I’m not playing.”

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Kenneka Jenkins, Chicago, Crowne Plaza, hotel, party, room, Chicago, viral video
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 8, 2025

Kenneka Jenkins’ Mother Seen Wandering Naked In Chicago Screaming Justice For Her Daughter

Teresa Martin has remained a vocal advocate for justice since her daughter was found dead in a hotel freezer in 2017.

The mother of Kenneka Jenkins, a Chicago teen who died in a hotel freezer, has gone viral for her own distressing moment.

Recent video footage spread of the grieving woman walking around the streets naked during the brisk Chicago winter. The footage displayed Jenkins’ mother, Teresa Martin, with cries of justice for her deceased child. Viewers can overhear Martin saying “Justice for Kenneka” and “justice for all.”

The unfortunate circumstance comes weeks after Martin posted another update about her continued quest for answers over Jenkins’ death. The grieving mother disclosed that she has not received any of her late daughter’s personal items since the day she died.

“They promised answers about my daughter’s death, but those promises were never kept,” Martin wrote, according to Shine My Crown.

Jenkins’ story made national headlines after the 19-year-old was found dead in a walk-in freezer at a Crowne Plaza Hotel in Chicagoland in September 2017. Footage showed the teenager walking the halls of the hotel, seemingly intoxicated. However, security video never confirmed how and when she entered the freezer.

The unusual case became even more controversial after officials ruled the death an accident. However, Martin refuses to believe her daughter’s death was purely unintentional, continuing to advocate for justice.

The family received a $10 million settlement after initially suing the hotel. However, Martin said her fight to seek justice for her daughter remains. She further critiqued how law enforcement handled the investigation, arguing that they pressured her and other family members into giving statements without their full awareness.

Others also found the investigation controversial, empathizing with Martin on its lack of resolve. Since her daughter’s widely known case, Martin has remained a staunch advocate for her late child.

However, many see this latest instance as an indicator of the emotional toll of this years-long journey. Neither the mother nor her representative has released a statement on the incident.

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South African President, daughter, Zuma,Recruiting Men, Russia
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 8, 2025

Daughter Of South African President Accused Of Illegally Recruiting Men To Fight For Russia

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla reportedly played a role in recruiting South African men to fight in the Ukraine war due to the shortage of native Russian recruits.

The daughter of a former South African president has been accused of tricking men into fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine.

Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is one of the almost two dozen children of former President Jacob Zuma. Zuma has already faced a long series of corruption scandals, leading to the 83-year-old’s resignation as leader in 2018. Now, one of his daughters faces her own controversy over her alleged involvement in recruitment for the war in Ukraine.

According to CNN, Zuma-Sambudla reportedly played a role in recruiting African men to fight in the war due to the shortage of native Russian recruits. Given Russia’s own ties to veterans of the African National Congress, a political party initially formed for the liberation and independence of African countries, the recruitment plan targeted these nations, which already had relationships with government officials. Zuma was also a leader of the party before his expulsion in 2024.

The news of Zuma-Sambudla’s unethical recruitment came to light after her elder sister, Nkosazana Zuma-Mncube, filed a criminal complaint against her half-sibling. The complaint led to Zuma-Sambudla’s resignation from her role in Parliament, where she led the same political group her father had previously led, the uMkhonto weSizwe Party.

The filing exposed how 17 native South Africans found themselves trapped in Ukraine fighting on behalf of Russia. The complaint detailed how the men traveled to the region on the false promise of a government contract for “bodyguard training.” Instead of government work, however, they soon realized the trip was to become mercenaries for the European nation.

Distress calls back to South Africa made the country aware of the recruitment trick, with further investigation pointing to Zuma-Sambudla’s coordination of the plan. The Democratic Alliance, the second-largest political party in South Africa, has since filed criminal charges against Zuma-Sambudla.

Zuma-Sambudla, however, has stated that she became a victim of the recruitment ruse. According to an affidavit obtained by local news outlet, Daily News, the disgraced leader says a man told her about a “legitimate paramilitary training program.” She claims that after undergoing a month of its training, in which she argues she faced no combat, she enlisted others to join, leading to their current unknown predicament.

“Based on my own experience, I believed that the program was lawful and safe. But I, too, was manipulated and used to create a false impression of legitimacy,” she shared.

However, the ruse sheds light on an alleged greater, and illegal, recruitment pipeline of African nationals to aid Russia. Russian officials have denied knowledge of any military participation by South African citizens.

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Phil Upchurch, Guitarist
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

December 7, 2025

Phil Upchurch, Legendary Guitarist For Michael Jackson, Donny Hathaway, And George Benson, Dead At 84

He also worked with artists like Quincy Jones, Etta James, Ramsey Lewis, and Luther Vandross.

Guitarist Phil Upchurch, the session musician who worked with such artists as George Benson, Michael Jackson, and Donny Hathaway, died Nov. 23 in Los Angeles, according to his wife, Sonya Maddox-Upchurch.

A cause of death was not revealed. He was 84.

“Phil Upchurch was my personal gift from God, he was my best friend, my music partner, my life, and my hero,” she said in a written statement, according to Billboard. “Our love was supernatural, endless, timeless and as true as his favorite color blue. He was a master of chords and emotions. Anything that he placed his mind to complete—he did it. Well done, my love. I love you more than words can say and the heart can hold.”

Benson acknowledged Upchurch’s death on his social media account.

“We lost a dear Broadway Tours family member. The great Phil Upchurch. Phil was an integral part of the Breezin’ record having wrote the great song “Six to Four” as well as a key musician on the record Weekend In LA. 🤍🎶🕊️”

Upchurch, born in Chicago on July 19, 1941, played the ukulele at age 13 before turning to the guitar, bass, and drums. After graduating from high school in 1958, he went on tour with The Spaniels, three years before scoring a hit in 1961 with “You Can’t Sit Down.”

During his career as a studio musician, he shared the room with artists such as Ramsey Lewis, the Dells, Etta James, Chaka Khan, Quincy Jones, Luther Vandross, B.B. King, Dizzy Gillespie, Curtis Mayfield, and Stan Getz.

Upchurch also authored two instructional music books and also wrote an autobiography, which will be released posthumously.

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Black Santa Experience
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

December 7, 2025

Black Santa Is Coming To Town: Here’s Where You Can Catch The Christmas Icon

Black Santa is coming to cities big and small to help families feel pride and joy this holiday season.

The increasingly popular Black Santa is returning to diverse communities nationwide to spread holiday cheer.

The soulful take on Santa Claus has added a jolly representation to the holiday, helping Black families feel seen among the celebration. Many cities have started to embrace the tradition by providing their own sightings of Black Santa.

As a symbol of representation and pride, Black Santa allows diverse families to reclaim Christmas for themselves. Especially amid a federal anti-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion movement, promoting this Santa has become even more important this holiday season.

This year, states across the nation are hosting Black Santa.

In Fayetteville, North Carolina, one retired Army veteran has become an annual beacon of representation as Black Santa.

According to the Fayetteville Observer, Craig Edwards dons the red suit every Christmas to greet children during the holidays. Inspired by his granddaughter’s innocent question of why Santa did not look like her, the father of three attended Santa Academy to learn the tricks and trade of Saint Nick. Known by the community as “Santa Craig,” he continues to delight families at the local mall for classic pictures.

In the Midwest, the Progress Center for Black Women hosted its 7th annual Photos with Santa at the Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin, which has grown from a few hundred visitors to over 1,500. Young families to solo adults come and often it’s the first time they have met a Black Mr. Claus, according to Madison 365.

Back in the Carolinas, Wilmington hosts its own Black history tours. Its Christmas-inspired version is guided by “Soul Santa.” The guide, Brandon ‘Bigg B’ Hickman, believes “Santa is who we make Santa out to be,” as his version goes deeper into the tradition to touch on the history of the local community.

In Ohio, The Voice of Black Cincinnati will bring out its Black Santa on Dec. 18. Santa will appear at the Cincinnati Art Museum for the annual tradition, which focuses on promoting holiday cheer that all can take pride in.

The Madam Walker Legacy Center in Indianapolis also has a host of holiday programming, including its Black Santa Extravaganza. Taking place Dec. 13, the free event invites families throughout the Midwest city to snap pictures with Santa as they begin their Christmas celebration. Doing this at The Walker is especially significant, as the center honors the legacy of the Black woman entrepreneur whose ambitions inspired millions.

In Houston, the Black Santa Experience also brings Mrs. Claus to the holiday occasion. Families can head to a local luxury photo studio to snap a pic with the soulful Mr. and Mrs. Claus, allowing them to see themselves in every aspect of the holiday character.

Lastly, the Black Santa 270 program in Paducah, Kentucky, started in 2017. According to WPSD Local 6, its mission aims to give back to local children in need while spreading cheer with a Santa that sparks imagination. On Dec. 20, it will continue the tradition by providing toys, food, and photos for children.

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