GREENSBORO, N.C. — This weekend, the Historic Magnolia House will host a visit from Black Santa Claus.
Families will be able to take free photos with him on Sat. December 19 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sun. Dec. 20th from 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. . The event is put on in part by the Greensboro branch of the NAACP.
Brittni Hunt, an NAACP member who helped plan the event, said she's excited to take her 6-year-old daughter Harlem.
"This has been a rough time for children. And it brings me no greater joy than to sprinkle some joy on this holiday season for her in a way that we may not have done in past years," Hunt said.
The Magnolia House was a former Green Book motel that housed many African American writers, musicians, and athletes during the Jim Crow era. The NAACP would also meet there.
"This is a special moment in time and this moment right here in the city of Greensboro that also has history and its roots as it relates to injustice and furthering efforts of making strides towards justice. We are falling right in line with that time," Hunt said.
The owner of the Magnolia House said It's been decades since the two organizations have done something together, but added she's excited to help make that happen.
"I think in terms of the Black Santa event, the reunion of the NAACP and Magnolia House, there is no better way to celebrate this reunion than to bring a little holiday spirit during an especially needed time," Historic Magnolia House owner Natalie Pass-Miller said.
6-year-old Harlem Hunt said she's just glad to see a Santa the looks like her.
"I am excited to have a black Santa that looks like me," Harlem Hunt said.
Families will have to make a reservation. There are 150 slots available. Temperature checks are required and plexiglass will separate families from Santa. Mask will be required the entire time.
You can find more information on santagso.com