a retired army veteran named Larry Jefferson, became the first black Santa hired in the mall's 24-year history. ever nominated for best picture at the Academy Awards that same year. Itliong and other Filipino farmworkers Every one of his appointments was reportedly sold out, and families of all backgrounds took photos with him. After all, the holidays should be inclusive and intersectional, too. "Everyone’s making a big deal about this because I’m a black Santa," Jefferson told theWashington Postat the time. "But gosh, I’m just Santa!”Related: