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The search for diverse Santa and why representation matters

By Chandra Thomas Whitfield
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23min 05sec
231213-DIVERSE-SANTA-STANLEY-AURORA
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
Santa at Stanley Marketplace in Aurora on Wednesday, Dec.13, 2023.

When Artesia Kaboré posted a question in an online group for Black parents in Colorado, it caught the eye of Chandra Thomas Whitfield. Kaboré asked where she could find a Black Santa this holiday season. It's a question that Chandra wondered about ever since moving to Colorado 12 years ago. So she set out to find the answer, and along the way, was reminded why representation matters.

Black Santa Diverse Multicultural
Courtesy Artesia Kabore'
4-year-old Matisse Kabore' of Parker sitting with the Black Santa at Denver’s Cherry Creek Mall, and the photo he took with Black Santa in Atlanta for his first Christmas.

Events Featuring Multicultural Santa

  • Black Santa Toy Drive presented by the Robert R. Smith STEAM Academy and CTE Photography Club - December 16

11 am - 3 pm

Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy

2900 Richard Allen Ct.

Denver, CO 80205

  • 3rd Annual Black Santa on Welton St. - December 16, 2023

Begins at 11:00 am

Brother Jeff's Cultural Center

2836 Welton St.

Denver, CO 80205

231213-DIVERSE-SANTA-STANLEY-AURORA
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
An ethnically diverse group of Santas gathered at Stanley Marketplace in Aurora on Wednesday, Dec.13, 2023.
231213-DIVERSE-SANTA-STANLEY-AURORA
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
An ethnically diverse group of Santas gathered at Stanley Marketplace in Aurora on Wednesday, Dec.13, 2023.
231213-DIVERSE-SANTA-STANLEY-AURORA
Hart Van Denburg/CPR News
An ethnically diverse group of Santas gathered at Stanley Marketplace in Aurora on Wednesday, Dec.13, 2023.

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