
The City of Pasadena today embarked on a month-long celebration of Black History Month.
Numerous events and programs will honor the rich heritage, challenges, triumphs, and profound impact of African Americans in Pasadena.
The Pasadena Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department, Pasadena Public Library, Pasadena Black History Committee, The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library, and various community groups are orchestrating city events.
The city’s commemoration is headlined by the 42nd Annual Black History Parade and Festival on Saturday, Feb. 17. The parade is one of the region’s most enduring and significant acknowledgments of Black history.
This year’s parade, bearing the theme ‘Past – Present – Future: Celebrating the life and legacy of Jackie Robinson’, promises to be a resonant tribute.
The parade not only pays homage to the legacy of African Americans but also serves as a vivid display of the community’s unity and strength.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. from 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave. and culminate at Robinson Park. Festivities will continue until 4 p.m., featuring an array of live music, dance performances, community stalls, inspirational speakers, and diverse culinary offerings.
In addition to the Parade and Festival, the city has curated a series of events designed to engage and educate.
The Santa Catalina Branch Library will host a special storytime for children aged 3-5, fostering early appreciation of Black history and culture.
The agenda includes a digital exploration of significant landmarks and areas in Pasadena shaped by the city’s Black community.
The Alkebu-lan Cultural Center is set to hold a sequence of events celebrating Black history.
Adding to the richness of the month’s activities, the Pasadena Rose poets will present their annual Black History Month Celebration, featuring a ‘Call and Response’ event, tailored for attendees aged 18 and over.
The inaugural event for this commemorative month will be the Black History Breakfast, a collaborative effort by the San Gabriel Valley Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, Phoenix Society of Pasadena Black Professional Firefighters, and Pasadena Black Municipal Employees Association.
This vibrant array of activities and celebrations throughout February is not just a reflection of Pasadena’s commitment to acknowledging Black history but also a testament to the city’s dedication to fostering a community that values diversity, inclusivity, and education.
For further details and updates on these events, see the City of Pasadena’s Black History Month PDF brochure, which provides comprehensive information on the month’s schedule and offerings.