Santa Claus Is a Black Man

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"Santa Claus Is a Black Man" is a Christmas song by record producer and songwriter Teddy Vann, performed by his daughter Akim Vann (billed as Akim) and his Teddy Vann Production Company for a 1973 single. [1] Teddy Vann, whose real name is Theodore Williams, wrote this song as a Christmas gift for his daughter Akim. When Akim turned five, she performed vocals on the recording.

Background

Akim & Teddy Van, Santa Claus Is a Black Man

Vann started his musical career as a performer, however, eventually, he decided that he liked writing and producing songs more. He called himself a “born-again African”. Teddy Vann is one among the first people in New York City who is in charge to hold the celebration of Kwanzaa, an annual celebration of African-American culture.

Vann wrote “Santa Claus Is a Black Man” because he felt annoyed by the lack of black figures portrayed in popular scenes of Christmas. Akim, Vann’s daughter, described how Vann argued how the imagery of Christmas figures, such as heavenly angels, Jolly old Saint Nick, and happy families was mostly depicted as white. By writing this song, Vann would like to create a scheme for young Black children, that everything that is magical, special, and fun, is not exclusive for white people.

Black Empowerment Value

“Santa Claus Is a Black Man” is special, as it is made to be enjoyed and absorbed for children. Vann was committed to bringing positivity for the younger children. The song is written in a little girl’s perspective, which tells the story of how she was awakened at night, and she sneaked in downstairs to watch her mother dancing with a handsome black Santa.

“I went in the living room to see
What’s the noise that woke up me
And I saw him by the Christmas tree.
Santa Claus is a black man, Santa Claus is a black man
And he’s handsome like my daddy too” [2]

Akim truly felt the love of her father radiated through this song. She was duetting with her father in this song. Vann, who passed away in 2009, has created a piece that could help young Black children to portray Black figures for a figure, who has been generally pictured as a White person.

This song carries the message to young Black people that all that is good and pure and representative of happiness does not have to be white. He was telling us the truth about the beauty of Black people and having a strong sense of self because he understood how empowering that is.” [3]

References