HALLOWEEN WHILE BLACK
When Halloween, Covid-19, and Racial Tensions Collide
From private celebrations to dealing with racist costumes, here’s how we’re handling All Hallows’ Eve
America is a country divided, and let’s face it: Black people celebrate Halloween in a different way than White people do. Covid-19 only adds to the anxiety. Momentum takes a weeklong look at #HalloweenWhileBlack.
Black people in America have always had an interesting relationship with Halloween. For some, a deep Christian faith has been their reason for making the so-called Devil’s Day a nonstarter in their households. For other African Americans, the reasons that make Halloween sticky — and sometimes scary — are much more secular. But add in Covid-19 and things get extra tricky.
Much like most of America, Black Americans participate in the holiday that last year saw about $82 billion in spending, second only to Christmas, according to some reports. Some folks trick-or-treat, pass out candy, dress up, or throw parties, but there’s always a caveat: Black people often have to deal with a double dose of commercial — and local — racism.
“After the death of Trayvon Martin, there were people dressing up as him with the Skittles and the hoodie as Halloween…
