It took 49 years, but Normal's holiday festivities this December will include the town's first official African American Santas. In 1966, NAACP activist Merlin Kennedy tried to ride a float in Bloomington's Christmas parade dressed as Santa. He was threatened with arrest. At age 89, Kennedy is getting a chance to rewrite that story's ending.
Black Santa Flies In ... 49 Years Later
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Merlin Kennedy reviews news clipping from his activist days.
Judith Valente
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Merlin Kennedy reviews news clipping from his activist days.
Judith Valente
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This photograph of Kennedy attempting to portray Santa in the 1966 Bloomington holiday parade appeared in Jet magazine.
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This photograph of Kennedy attempting to portray Santa in the 1966 Bloomington holiday parade appeared in Jet magazine.
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Joe Tulley, Uptown Normal marketing manager, in front of Santa Station on Gateway Plaza before it was fully decorated.
Judith Valente
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Joe Tulley, Uptown Normal marketing manager, in front of Santa Station on Gateway Plaza before it was fully decorated.
Judith Valente