Mall of America Hires Its First Black Santa, Warms the Hearts of Children Everywhere

Mall of America, the largest mall in the country, just welcomed its first black Santa this holiday season. During an interview with WCCO-TV, Larry Jefferson, a United States veteran from Dallas spoke about how he feels to be the first Santa of color. "It's no big deal. I'm still Santa! I just happen to be a Santa of color," Jefferson explained to the news station. "It gives the kids an opportunity to see a Santa who looks like them."

Landon Luther, co-owner of the Santa Experience photo studio at the popular Minnesota mall, told the Star Tribune, "We want Santa to be for everyone, period." Luther also revealed that the search for a Santa of color began last year and ended as soon as they found Larry Jefferson. Jefferson has been donning the famous red suit since 1999 and "considers himself a Santa for all."

The popular mall has received a ton of positive responses from shoppers across social media praising its decision to include a diverse Santa this year. Check out the video below to see why this Santa is warming the hearts of children everywhere.