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

Demetria Wambia
Momentum
Published in
6 min readOct 27, 2020

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Photo: Oliver Kramm/EyeEm/Getty Images

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…

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Momentum
Momentum

Published in Momentum

Momentum is a blog that captures and reflects the moment we find ourselves in, one where rampant anti-Black racism is leading to violence, trauma, protest, reflection, sorrow, and more. Momentum doesn’t look away when the news cycle shifts.

Demetria Wambia
Demetria Wambia

Written by Demetria Wambia

NYC-based Writer and Editor | National Writers Union Member | Girls Write Now Mentor Alum