Daily Walking, Working, and Winning by God's Word by Rev. Dr. Alvin C. Hathaway Sr.

My hat is off to Luke Durant, Jr. who found his niche as the African American Santa Claus in Mondawmin Mall. Quite the entrepreneur, Brother Durant was involved in a number of business ventures. His lasting success was in owning a candy store in the mall. It's my understanding his store will close at the end of 2009. I'm happy to hear that Brother Durant will continue to serve as "our" Santa Claus for years to come. His image as a Santa who looks like "us" reinforces to our children that we can be affirmative in our culture and self-worth is a value. Also, we can look at our own images with esteem. Luke Durant's commitment to being a positive African American image is worthy of honor and applause. Thank you Luke for helping our children to enjoy a Merry Christmas throughout the years.