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. Since that time, Halloween has been prime time for anti-Black foolery. Here’s why.
With the sweet treats of Halloween came a rise in huge sugar companies. They continue to pay Black workers low wages, and also support white sugar cane farmers who force 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 whites to make fun of the Black workers they worked alongside. It was always seen as a way to mimic and minimize our people, and it isn’t showing any signs of changing because 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 despite hate. Dress as your favorite Black figure. Use this time to celebrate our history even more. What are some creative ways you can use the festivities to push back?