Celebrating White people Holiday traditions of the oppressor It
is that time of year when families cook delicious soul food
feasts, when mothers and fathers storm the stores early in the
morning and late after work for children’s gifts, and when
everyone decorates their homes with seasonal items like fall
colors and Christmas trees. Holidays in America are times of
celebration, family, and White people. What do White people have
to do with holidays? Over the years, some Black families have
moved toward disassociating themselves from holidays that have a
history stemming from an oppressive culture. This could very
well be every nationally recognized and celebrated holiday in
America. People have made these transitions for several reasons
including their pagan origins, oppressive roots, and their
seemingly hypnotizing effects. Often during holidays,
individuals become possessed by the spirit of the celebration
and do not act normally. Ishakamusa Barashango, Ph.D., a Black
liberationist and lecturer taught that