At TWIFE, the idea of creating a Black Nativity Set wasn’t just about producing another faith-based product. It was rooted in a deep sense of purpose — a desire to challenge long-held traditions and reimagine the representation of faith for future generations. This is the story of how that vision came to life.
A Moment of Realization
The seed for the Black Nativity Set was planted during a walk through the streets of Brooklyn. Niels, one of our founders, was struck by something that felt deeply out of place: white depictions of Jesus in Black community churches. Seeing these images, he realized how disconnected these representations were from the community they served.
Why, in spaces filled with Black voices, Black stories, and Black faith, were the symbols of belief not reflective of the people celebrating them? This moment sparked a profound realization — representation in faith was not just an aesthetic choice, but a meaningful way to affirm identity and belonging. It was a call to action.
Bringing Together the Founders
With this newfound mission, Niels brought together a group of founders, including myself, who shared his vision for more inclusive representations in religious art. Our team was diverse, representing different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, all united by the conviction that faith-based traditions should reflect the people who practice them.
We began to dig deeper, researching not only the history of religious imagery but also how communities around the world felt about these depictions. We knew from the start that it was important for children, in particular, to see leaders like themselves reflected in religious symbols. The impact of a Black child seeing a Holy Family that mirrors their own family is profound — it can affirm their identity, foster pride, and strengthen their sense of belonging in the faith community.
One memorable anecdote that emerged during this time came from a close friend traveling through Benin. Our friend, a white man with long blond hair, was approached by a church choir who asked if he could play Jesus in a video clip. The request was based solely on his physical appearance, highlighting just how ingrained certain perceptions of Jesus were. The experience was a lightbulb moment — it became clear that the world had, for too long, accepted a narrow and singular vision of faith.
Testing the Idea
Armed with research and driven by passion, we began creating the first test versions of the Black Nativity Set. We reached out to a friend in New York who was part of a diverse community and asked them to gather feedback on the idea. The results were telling. Parents, in particular, expressed excitement about a Black Jesus — they were thrilled that their children could finally see a reflection of themselves in this cherished symbol of faith.
But it wasn’t all unanimous praise. Even within the Black community, there were mixed feelings. Some individuals remained unsure, not because they didn’t believe in the importance of representation, but because traditional imagery had been ingrained for so long that anything different felt unfamiliar. It was a powerful reminder that representation is both necessary and challenging, requiring time, reflection, and a shift in perspective.
The Launch and Community Response
When we officially launched the Black Nativity Set, we were overwhelmed by the response. The joy and appreciation that poured in from families who had waited for something like this was heartwarming. Many shared beautiful stories of how the set brought their holiday traditions closer to home and made their celebrations feel more personal and inclusive.
The reviews were glowing, with customers praising the craftsmanship and the significance of finally having a Nativity Set that looked like them. Parents shared how their children beamed with pride seeing a Black Jesus, and how this product allowed them to have important conversations about faith, identity, and inclusion.
Of course, like any journey, there were a few bumps along the way. We faced some logistical challenges, but nothing that could overshadow the incredible feedback we received from our community. The success of the Black Nativity Set was not just in its sales, but in the deep sense of belonging it brought to those who embraced it.
A Continuing Journey
The creation of TWIFE’s Black Nativity Set is part of a larger movement toward inclusive representation in faith and culture. It’s about showing the world that faith belongs to everyone, and that the symbols we hold dear should reflect the beauty and diversity of the people who believe in them.
For a Black child to see a Holy Family that looks like their own family is powerful — it shapes their self-image, affirms their faith, and reminds them that they, too, can be leaders and sacred figures in the stories they grow up with.
This journey is far from over. As we continue to grow, we remain committed to creating products that celebrate diversity and empower communities to see themselves in the stories they cherish. Because, at TWIFE, we believe that The World Is For Everyone.
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