Today we’d like to introduce you to Andre Parker.
Hi Andre, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in a family where Christmas was the most celebrated time of the year. My Grandmother Queenie instilled her love of all things Christmas into my Mother Dorothy, who still carries on all of the traditions to this day. Upon discovering that ethnic Santas made up roughly 3% of the population of performers, my calling was clear. My beard had grown out and begun to fill with radiant white hairs. My wife encouraged me to embrace my natural “wisdom” and strike out on my journey to becoming Black Santa of Atlanta.
After over 20 years in law enforcement, I am a newly retired Fire and Police Chief that is hoping to develop a new legacy for myself and family by extending the warmth I have experienced during Christmas to those around the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Frankly, the journey is still unfolding. It has not been difficult but the challenge is finding my place within the niche. As I mentioned, ethnic professional Santas are not as prevalent as our Caucasian counterparts. While my peers have been incredibly supportive, Black/African American Santas are placed in a box. It is often assumed we only want to service those who are look like us and that is certainly not the case.
Also, the understanding that a Santa is accessible to you directly without attending corporate-sponsored events or shopping malls is another hurdle. Of course, I could gain consistent and nearly guaranteed employment working in retail spaces, but it does not align with my overall plan of providing customizable experiences where my guests do not feel rushed through their encounters with me.
Finally, it is actually the adults that seem to have the dilemma with Santa being “brown”. Children simply embrace the magical experience when adults choose to see color as if the world is composed of one type of person.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When the HEIC (Head Elf in Charge) and I thought about what we want for our own small child when it comes to experiencing Santa, we knew customizable service offerings were what we most desired and would implement. There is a gap in the industry here in Atlanta for gaining access to Santas like me outside of traditional spaces that had to be filled. This is where my unique service offerings come in. I offer in-home and virtual visits (with the option to have story time or cookies and milk with Santa), recorded season’s greetings, photoshoot and event appearances and even officiant services. What is a Christmas wedding without Santa Claus officiating the nuptials?
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
You have to be a people person, there is simply no way around it. With an innate ability to show empathy, sympathy and compassion while being open and willing to listen to and talk to a great variety of people.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.blacksantaofatlanta.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blacksantaofatlanta/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y%3D
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blacksantaofatlanta/
Image Credits
Rudi & Zenobia Botha
