Finland’s first Black Saint Lucia faces racist backlash amid calls for tolerance

By admin On Dec 19, 2024

The 2024 Lucia, Daniela Owusu from Kirkkonummi, descended the steps of the Helsinki Cathedral during the Lucia celebration on 13 December 2024. LEHTIKUVA

The selection of Daniela Owusu, a 20-year-old Finnish Ghanaian, as Finland’s 2024 Saint Lucia has sparked a wave of racist abuse, drawing condemnation from national leaders and support from the public. Owusu is the first Black woman chosen to represent Saint Lucia in the traditional festival of light, a role historically filled by women with blonde hair and blue eyes.

The annual Saint Lucia celebration, organised by the NGO Folkhälsan, takes place on 13 December at Helsinki’s Lutheran Cathedral.

The event symbolises light and hope during the dark winter season, with the chosen Saint Lucia donning a white gown, red sash, and a crown of candles.

After her selection, Owusu expressed her hope to inspire diversity. “It would be important to have a Lucia who represents multiculturalism and to show that Lucia can look many different ways,” she said.

However, following her announcement, Owusu, her family, and Folkhälsan received over 10,000 hate messages, including racial slurs and death threats. The abuse focused on Owusu’s skin colour, with some stating she did not “belong” in the role.

Folkhälsan’s Stina Heikkilä described the backlash as deeply troubling. “We are all very upset and angry. A festival of light should not be overshadowed by such hate,” she said, acknowledging the wider issue of racism in Finland.

Finnish leaders condemned the attacks. President Alexander Stubb called the abuse “shocking and unequivocally wrong,” emphasising that the Saint Lucia tradition represents love, light, and hope. “We stand with Daniela on the side of equality, against racism,” Stubb said. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo also apologised to Owusu during a visit to the Finnish Parliament, reaffirming his commitment to a safe and equal society.

Despite the hostility, Owusu received overwhelming public support. Folkhälsan noted a surge in donations to its charity drive, which supports disadvantaged children and victims of domestic abuse. The organisation thanked the majority who voiced solidarity, with director Viveca Hagmark stating, “Your commitment shows that there is a strong public opinion against racism.”

The incident reflects broader societal tensions. Just days earlier, Finland’s Independence Day was marred by a far-right march attended by a member of the Finns Party, which is part of the government. Commentators, including Helsingin Sanomat, have highlighted a concerning rise in racist rhetoric and intolerance.

Owusu’s journey as Saint Lucia continues, with visits to hospitals, care homes, and community events throughout the holiday season. On social media, she expressed gratitude: “Thank you to everyone who voted for me. This means so much, and I will give my all to be the best Lucia I can be.”

While the backlash underscores ongoing challenges, Owusu’s role stands as a symbol of hope and a call for greater inclusivity in Finland.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi