Overview: The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Xi Lambda Chapter is hosting a holiday event called “Snapshots with Kris Kringle” to give Black families in the Inland Empire the opportunity to take photos with the Black Santa Claus. The event will feature hot chocolate and hot cider, and a letter to Santa station for children. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health of mothers and babies and closing the health equity gap. The event honors the chapter’s charter member who passed away earlier this year and was a “powerhouse in the Inland Empire” who was always present and available.
Alyssah Hall
The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Xi Lambda Chapter will be hosting “Snapshots with Kris Kringle” to give Black families in the Inland Empire the opportunity to take holiday photos with the Black Santa Claus.
The event will be an inaugural formal affair for the Mu Xi Lambda Chapter, with hot chocolate and hot cider served, and a letter to Santa station for children. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health of mothers and babies and closing the health equity gap.
Organizers of the event include the current President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Xi Lambda Chapter Dewayne Cezere and the previous chapter president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Mu Xi Lambda Chapter, Jamal J. Myrick, Ed.D.
This event honors their charter member who passed away earlier this year, Marion Black, who served the IE as a Black Santa for many years. Black was a “powerhouse in the Inland Empire” and was always present and available, according to Myrick.
“When brother Black introduced this back in the early ‘90s, it was his vision to put emphasis on community engagement and support, bringing people together to celebrate the holiday season, while also focusing on giving back,” Cezere said.
“Brother Black, really gave us an opportunity to pick up where he left off, and that is to continue raising awareness about the important social issues and encouraging conversations around cultural representation, Cezere continued.
Part of Alpha Phi Alpha’s mission is to provide service and advocacy for their communities.The Mu Xi Lambda chapter wanted to give the community a cost-efficient and convenient space that would create a “wonderful” holiday experience for Black kids and adults.
“What we learned last year at the state of the Black IE, in terms of [the] Black population, we’re third in the state of California. So, why do we always have to go to LA to go and do things? For us, it was, ‘How do we fill a gap?’ There’s a desire for a Black Santa,” Myrick said.
“We’re working to create this really dope experience for families to participate in and don’t always have to feel like they have to leave our community to get something that our community is providing. So for me, that’s really important. I think that’s a critical reason why folks should attend. We can do it right here in our backyard as residents of the Inland Empire,” Myrick continued.
This event provides an opportunity for children and families to see a version of Santa Claus that reflects their own culture and heritage, and helps foster a sense of belonging, according to Cezere.
“This is a great time to bring this back to the fold so we can continue to bring positivity, continue to uplift folks who just need some great spirit during this holiday season,” Cezere said.
This holiday event promoting diversity and inclusivity will be taking place on Dec. 14 at 10:00 a.m. at 129 North Laurel Avenue, Ontario, CA 91762. To purchase tickets and for more information on the “Snapshots with Kris Kringle” event, visit https://events.eventnoire.com/e/mu-xi-lambda-miracle.