Trick or treating became a national pastime once WWI ended. Add in soldiers with a military-induced sweet tooth, and racism had the perfect opportunity to swoop in. And since that time, Halloween has been prime time for anti-Black foolery.
With the sweet treats of Halloween came a rise in huge sugar companies. They not only continue to pay Black workers low wages, but they also supported white sugar cane farmers who tried to push Black farmers out of business.
Lynching has been used to terrorize our people for ages, and the images of nooses are associated with the terrible act. Yet nooses are, and frequently have been, used as Halloween decorations.
Blackface began in the 1830s as a way for poor white immigrants to make fun of the Black workers they worked alongside. It was always seen as a way to mimic and minimize our people – and that isn’t showing any signs of changing as Blackface continues to be a popular Halloween costume idea.
Halloween is a time meant to be fun, and we can use it to uplift one another in spite of anti-Blackness. We can dress as some of our favorite figures from Black culture and use this time to celebrate even more about our history. What are some creative ways you can use the festivities to push back?