Since 2013, Stafford Braxton, Founder and CEO of Santas Just Like Me, has been transforming how families of color in Raleigh, NC are represented during the Christmas season through professional photography and “real” Santas of Color. Read on to learn about the genesis of Santas Just Like Me, and how much more special the holidays are when families see themselves celebrated – either in person or virtually.
Can you describe your journey to the moment you founded “Santas Just Like Me”?
My journey has not been a straight line. I graduated in ‘85 with a B.S. in Business Administration and worked as a manager in camera retail for years. I did a short stint at a portrait studio, married in ‘91, and was a full-time campus minister for nine years. Later, I became a middle school teacher as well as continuing to develop my craft as a professional photographer, primarily through photographing events.
We moved to Raleigh NC in 2011 and I decided to try to duplicate the success I had in Richmond, VA with photography. Raleigh was saturated with photographers so I answered an ad for photographers at the Santa set at a local mall. There, I learned the business of being Santa and where I realized the need to have a business that focused on bringing Santas of color to the marketplace.
I gave the mall the benefit of the doubt when I approached them about a Black Santa event. They quipped that it was “a good idea”, but made no attempt to provide such an event. That’s when I began looking for the person who would become the face of Santas Just Like Me.
How would greater representation during the holiday season, and beyond, have influenced you as a child? How do you feel you are changing an other-wise non-inclusive space/industry?
As a child growing up in Yorktown, VA, the only shows that had positive Black actors were Star Trek with Nichelle Nichols and Mission Impossible with Greg Morris. There was also Flip Wilson and a few others, but by and large, television was a Caucasian medium.
When you did see Black characters they were buffoonish (I think of Amos and Andy) or they had stereotypical bit roles as domestics, hoodlums, drug dealers, etc.
It didn’t seem like Black-America celebrated Christmas if you looked at what Hollywood was producing when I was a child of the 60s. So, to have had representation at an early age would have certainly allowed my imagination to soar higher with the thought of what might be as opposed to what was.
Is this a second career for you? If so, can you describe your early career path, your first retirement, and your decision to enter the workforce again?
This is not a second career, per se, but it is something that has allowed me to be passionate about what I do. When I see the joy on the faces of parents, grandparents, children, I know that I am in the right place at the right time, doing the right thing. I had always thought that I would be in traditional, full-time ministry, but things change and fortunately, I was willing to change with them.
I never thought that I would be focusing primarily on Santa photography, but here I am. It was as if the Lord was saying that there are many different ways to share His love and providing people with an opportunity to see themselves represented in the Christmas narrative is just one of many. The Santas that I partner with are warm and caring and they carry the message of hope to each event.
Can you share your approach to photography, specifically photographing Black and Brown skin tones?
When photographing people of color, my approach is simply to make sure the lighting is right. You want to capture the richness of the tones of our skin, and we make sure that is conveyed in the images we capture.
What motivates you to keep doing this work? And where do you see yourself in three years? What support do you need from others to get there?
There was a family that would come year after year to see Santa at the Hayti Center in Durham, NC. It was a white family that had adopted four special needs minority children. The last time I saw them, I persuaded the mother and father to be photographed with their children. I believe it was the following year, they were all enjoying a day at the beach when a rogue wave upended the father causing him to hit his head on the ocean floor, injuring him, and causing his death.
When I reached out to the mother, she responded back thanking me for encouraging them to get their photo taken with the children. She said that it is now one of her most favorite photos.
The grandmother saw the photos and rushed down to the event because she had never seen a Black Santa in person. She was crying
In 2019, a mother and a daughter were photographed with Santa at a church event in south Charlotte and they subsequently posted them online. The grandmother saw the photos and rushed down to the event because she had never seen a Black Santa in person. She was crying – I was crying – and it just solidified that this is what I am supposed to be doing at this juncture in time.
Future Plans
Ultimately, I would like to partner with businesses that understand the value of representation and will help us take this opportunity to small towns throughout America. I envision a bus (or buses) converted into a Santa’s workshop, that would drive to the outskirts of NC, VA, SC, and other small towns, to share with them a Santa that looks like them without charge. I would really like to shift to a non-profit model, where money is not the focus, and I would like to see Santas Just Like Me in every state and connect quality Santas of Color, that are trained to engage with all types of children, with families.
What does ‘aging with attitude’ mean to you?
It means to not be limited by what you may not be able to do physically, but rather embracing what you can do and doing it with everything within your ability to do it.
COMMENTS
One response to “Santas Who Look Just Like Me”
Wonderful, i have photo of my children with a Black Santa which must be 45 yrs old considering they are now 49 and 53. It was not easy but i lived in Harlem and the local dept store had a Black Santa on 125th street. I never realized i the image was an issue until i read your article. Now my sister I asked for Christological images as well. Rev JRBullock
Sign Up for Newsletters
There’s always a lot going on in the Senior Planet universe. Get our newsletters to make sure you never miss a thing!
Sign Up Now
Join Senior Planet Community
Senior Planet Community is our social media platform designed specifically for older adult users. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, make new friends, and share resources all on a safe and ad-free platform.
Join the Conversation Today
Upcoming Online Classes
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
0 events,
13 events,
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Cloud Storage
Cloud Storage
Learn the basics of cloud storage — a technology that lets you store documents, images, and other media files remotely.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
16 events,
28
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Can tech give you a green thumb? Come to this lecture to find out!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
MyChart
MyChart
Learn how MyChart can help you keep all your health information in one place, communicate with your providers, and have a virtual visit.
12 events,
29
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a special holiday tour in Paris, France!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
虛擬博物館導覽
虛擬博物館導覽
在家中舒適地參觀世界著名的博物館!
Messaging Apps
Messaging Apps
This lecture will go over the features of three widely-used apps: iMessages, Hangouts, and WhatsApp.
16 events,
30
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Come learn about QR codes, augmented reality apps, and more!
Money Matters
Money Matters
This lecture introduces online banking and goes over how to keep your financial information safe.
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 行動健康應用程式 (Mobile Health Apps)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 行動健康應用程式 (Mobile Health Apps)
來聽聽看市面上一些受歡迎的健康應用程式的簡介。
9 events,
1
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
A simple plan is better than no plan! Get to know a few free and low-cost resources that make it simple to plan your estate.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Come learn how the medical industry is embracing the Internet of Things (IoT) technology to treat patients remotely.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
2
0 events,
3
12 events,
4
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Affordable Home Internet
Affordable Home Internet
This lecture goes over basic information you need to know when signing up for home internet service.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
15 events,
5
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Learn how to stay safe while you surf the web!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Introduction to A.I.
Introduction to A.I.
Come chat with ChatGPT and learn about A.I.!
13 events,
6
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Discover Live: Cusco, Peru
Discover Live: Cusco, Peru
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Cusco, Peru!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
關於 Zoom 的一切
關於 Zoom 的一切
了解如何使用 Zoom 與家人朋友聊天以及參與 Senior Planet 線上學習!
Digital Coupon Tools
Digital Coupon Tools
Learn how digital coupon tools can help you save money!
15 events,
7
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to X (formerly Twitter)
Intro to X (formerly Twitter)
Like to know what's happening? Come learn about X (formerly Twitter)!
Fitness Apps
Fitness Apps
Learn how fitness apps can help you track and conquer your goals!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
9 events,
8
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Need a vacation? Learn about popular websites and apps for booking vacation rentals.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Introduction to Digital Wallets
Introduction to Digital Wallets
You CAN leave home without your wallet! Learn about popular digital wallets and their many uses.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
9
0 events,
10
12 events,
11
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Concerned about privacy? Unsure about accepting cookies? Come learn about some essential privacy tips!
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
15 events,
12
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
How smart are they? We'll tell you all about smartphones.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Instagram Basics
Instagram Basics
This lecture offers an overview of some of Instagram's more popular features and will give you a taste for what all the fuss is about.
11 events,
13
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Shopping
Online Shopping
This lecture will provide a general introduction to shopping online using the popular website Amazon.com.
介紹: 擔任 Zoom 視訊會議主持人
介紹: 擔任 Zoom 視訊會議主持人
我們將討論如何準備首次會議,以及成功舉辦會議的技巧。
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Food Delivery Apps
Food Delivery Apps
Learn about the pros and cons, how to search for new restaurants, and how to leave a tip and rating.
16 events,
14
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
Sharing the news? Learn to read and check sources before sharing!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Intro to Gaming
Intro to Gaming
Game on! Come discover the world of gaming and start playing!
7 events,
15
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
eBay & PayPal
eBay & PayPal
This lecture provides an overview of the popular auction website eBay and the pioneer online payment service PayPal.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
Tech Talk: Android Smartphones
Tech Talk: Android Smartphones
Have questions about your Android smartphone?
0 events,
16
0 events,
17
12 events,
18
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Telemedicine
Telemedicine
This lecture provides an overview of telemedicine options and focuses on exploring virtual medical appointments with your doctor in real-time.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Join this discussion group to connect with Senior Planet participants from all over the country!
15 events,
19
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
All Things Zoom
All Things Zoom
This lecture will go over how to use Zoom to chat with friends & family, and take virtual classes with Senior Planet!
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Facebook
Facebook
Facebook can be a great way to connect with old friends, share life updates, and join social groups. Learn more about the popular platform.
11 events,
20
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
物聯網 : 生活方式和娛樂
物聯網 : 生活方式和娛樂
本講座將探討我們日常與物聯網交互的多種方式,並了解它如何徹底改變整個行業。
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Will your digital content and social media pages live on forever? Come learn about your digital legacy options!
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Move, breathe and flow during this gentle, slow, flowing form of exercise
15 events,
21
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Crowdfunding for a Cause
Crowdfunding for a Cause
This lecture will give an overview of donation-based crowdfunding and explore two popular platforms used by individuals and nonprofits to raise money: GoFundMe and Facebook Fundraisers.
Understanding Bluetooth
Understanding Bluetooth
We’ll explain Bluetooth technology, how it works, and the way it impacts everyday life.
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「如何選取一台新電腦」開放問答室 (How to Choose a New Computer Open Lab)
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「如何選取一台新電腦」開放問答室 (How to Choose a New Computer Open Lab)
這堂開放討論活動適於解答您聆聽過關於「如何選取一台新電腦」 講座中的疑惑。
8 events,
22
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Don't worry about formatting your resume. Let the templates do the work for you!
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Drones
Drones
Learn why more and more drones are taking to the skies!
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
23
0 events,
24
0 events,
25
14 events,
26
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Health Resources
Online Health Resources
Learn how to evaluate health-related information online.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
How smart are they? We'll tell you all about smartphones.
12 events,
27
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
MyChart
MyChart
Learn how MyChart can help you keep all your health information in one place, communicate with your providers, and have a virtual visit.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
實惠家用網路
實惠家用網路
了解負擔得起的家用網路的選擇
#AgeFriendly
#AgeFriendly
In this lecture, you’ll learn about the World Health Organization's eight elements of an age-friendly city and what makes a business age friendly.
14 events,
28
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Concerned about privacy? Unsure about accepting cookies? Come learn about some essential privacy tips!
Voice Assistants
Voice Assistants
Learn about the many devices, current uses, and future implications of this exciting technology.
Chair Yoga
Chair Yoga
Follow various cues to develop body alignment and breath awareness.
8 events,
29
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Learn about tools to help you be a part of the movement and support racial justice!
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
Internet of Things: Entertainment
Internet of Things: Entertainment
This lecture will explore the many ways we interact with IoT on a day-to-day basis and take a look at how it’s revolutionizing entire industries.
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Join this Aging Discussion Group to have open conversations about aging.
0 events,
30
0 events,
31
0 events,
1
0 events,
2
0 events,
3
0 events,
4
0 events,
5
0 events,
6
Morning Stretch
Cloud Storage
Fit Fusion Workout
Mobile Health Apps
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Gardening Tech At a Glance
Chair Yoga
MyChart
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Holiday Tour in Paris, France
Fit Fusion Workout
虛擬博物館導覽
Messaging Apps
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Smartphone Camera Uses Beyond Photography
Money Matters
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 行動健康應用程式 (Mobile Health Apps)
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Estate Planning Resources & Tools
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Internet of Things: Healthcare
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Morning Stretch
Intro to Translation Tools
Fit Fusion Workout
Affordable Home Internet
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Chair Yoga
Introduction to A.I.
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Cusco, Peru
Fit Fusion Workout
關於 Zoom 的一切
Digital Coupon Tools
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Intro to X (formerly Twitter)
Fitness Apps
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Booking Vacation Stays Online
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Introduction to Digital Wallets
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Morning Stretch
Mobile Health Apps
Fit Fusion Workout
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Smartphones at a Glance
Chair Yoga
Instagram Basics
Morning Stretch
Online Shopping
介紹: 擔任 Zoom 視訊會議主持人
Fit Fusion Workout
Food Delivery Apps
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Tips for Being News Savvy Online
Chair Yoga
Intro to Gaming
Morning Stretch
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
eBay & PayPal
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Tech Talk: Android Smartphones
Morning Stretch
Telemedicine
Fit Fusion Workout
Intro to Translation Tools
Open Discussion – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
All Things Zoom
Chair Yoga
Facebook
Morning Stretch
物聯網 : 生活方式和娛樂
Fit Fusion Workout
Digital Legacy at a Glance
Easy-to-Follow Tai Chi
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Crowdfunding for a Cause
Understanding Bluetooth
Mandarin Multilingual Technology Program: 「如何選取一台新電腦」開放問答室 (How to Choose a New Computer Open Lab)
Morning Stretch
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Drones
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Online Health Resources
Chair Yoga
Smartphones at a Glance
Morning Stretch
MyChart
Fit Fusion Workout
實惠家用網路
#AgeFriendly
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Intro to Managing Your Privacy
Voice Assistants
Chair Yoga
Morning Stretch
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
Internet of Things: Entertainment
Aging Discussion Group – Lunch & Learn
Recent Articles
Recent Comments