A Black People's History of Halloween (+ Haunts!) (Patreon)

While I knew a lot of people growing up who weren’t allowed to participate in the holiday because it was considered demonic, black Americans have long celebrated and enjoyed Halloween., along with believing in the supernatural Here's a short history! 

Sources + Further Reading

• Black Spirits: The Ghostlore of Afro-American Slaves 
• Alphas and AKA Halloween Parties 
• Bewitching Halloween Party at The Savoy 
• Halloween party ideas 
• https://www-proquest-com.i.ezproxy.nypl.org/hnpnewamsterdamnews/docview/226282536/B50E9649890746EBPQ/17?accountid=35635
• “The Hallowe’en scene, as usual, afforded New Yorkers an opportunity to delight their friends with parties, bridge games, and dances.” -The New York Amsterdam News, 1931 
• Yes, politicians wore blackface. It used to be all-American ‘fun.’ 
• https://www.al.com/news/2018/08/halloween_1959_shooting_of_bla.html
• https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2018/09/06/1959-murder-william-roy-prather-mississippi
• https://www.newspapers.com/image/162463816/?terms=mischief%20night&match=1
• https://www.newspapers.com/image/544187039/?terms=mischief%20night&match=1
• https://www.newspapers.com/image/142309262/?terms=devil%27s%20night&match=1
• https://www.newspapers.com/image/98279437/?terms=devil%27s%20night&match=1
• http://www.phmc.state.pa.us/portal/communities/pa-heritage/world-through-eyes-charles-teenie-harris.html#cake