WHO IS PAPA-CAUSE®?
PAPA-CAUSE®, THE FRIEND OF SANTA CLAUS, was born in 1993 in the studio of John Solomon Sandridge—the artist, author, sculptor, and painter who was born and raised in Gadsden, Alabama.
John conceived the idea for this hero as a result of having seen the failed efforts of many who attempted to make Santa Claus black to satisfy an African American audience.
John reasoned that, since the storied history of Santa and his Christmas-time gift-giving stretches well into the past—i.e., some two thousand plus years—the time has arrived for Santa Claus to have a friend who will also establish a history of giving, but from a unique, 21st-Century standpoint.
PAPA-CAUSE® made his debut in the fall of 1998 in Gadsden, AL at Gadsden Convention Hall, where he was supported by Mayor Steve Means, The Gadsden City Council, and the Gadsden Chamber of Commerce. The Gadsden City Council Supported PAPA-CAUSE® by purchasing the book entitled PAPA-CAUSE®, The Friend of Santa Claus. Over 1,000 books were given to students from K-5 elementary schools in the Gadsden Area. PAPA-CAUSE® also received the Keys to the City of Gadsden, Rainbow City, Hokes Bluff, and Southside, AL. Gadsden State Community College recognized his work throughout the community and the Gadsden City Board of Education presented him an award.
It must be emphasized that PAPA-CAUSE® is not a black Santa Claus, but the FRIEND of Santa. PAPA-CAUSE® is the immortal, human entity who is both invincible and imbued with unlimited power that allows for a myriad of possibilities. He dances and sings his way into the hearts of all he meets. In that way, he is authentic. PAPA-CAUSE® is the alter ego of John Solomon Sandridge.