Civil Rights Leader Dr. Edna Griffin Honored With Pool Naming

The Rose Bowl Aquatics Center (RBAC) honored local civil rights icon Edna Griffin on Wednesday, September 18 by renaming its recreational pool after her, recognizing her pioneering efforts to desegregate public swimming facilities in Pasadena.

Griffin, the first Black woman to serve as president of Pasadena Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People branch (from 1939 to 1947), led a successful lawsuit against the city in 1942 to desegregate the Brookside Plunge swimming pool. The pool, which stood near the current RBAC site, had previously allowed African Americans to swim only one day per week. While the court ruled in favor of unrestricted access in 1942, full desegregation wasn’t implemented until 1947.

Councilmember Tyron Hampton was celebratory at Wednesday’s event.

“Today is a great day. It goes a long way in repairing the wounds racism opened in the great city of Pasadena,” said Hampton. “It’s also important that we don’t forget our past. Today is a stitch in that wound.”

The dedication event drew civic leaders, community members, and Griffin’s family, including her granddaughter Edna Trigg. RBAC Executive Director Jimmy Francis and Board Chair Robert Kamins highlighted the center’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

The ceremony opened with a welcome address from Jimmy Francis, the RBAC’s Executive Director. RBAC Board Chair Robert Kamins spoke about the Center’s mission, focusing on the organization’s core values of diversity, impact, and collaboration. Kamins acknowledged the individuals and groups who played a key role in making the pool dedication possible.

Current NAACP Pasadena Branch President Allen Edson reflected on Griffin’s pivotal role in the community, while Los Angeles County 5th District Supervisor Kathryn Barger and a representative from Senator Anthony Portantino’s office presented certificates recognizing Griffin’s contributions.

Griffin, who passed away in 1992, was Pasadena’s first Black female physician and a very active civil rights activist. After obtaining her medical degree from Meharry Medical College, she settled in Pasadena in 1935. She was also the first Black member of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. 

Griffin filed over 20 lawsuits against discriminatory businesses and worked to improve employment opportunities for African Americans.

Mayor Victor Gordo praised the dedication, saying, “I want to thank the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center for recognizing that Dr. Griffin was a Civil Rights pioneer who fought bravely to uphold and defend the most American principles of equality and fairness for all. Long live Dr. Griffin’s spirit and Americanism.”

The pool naming came after a recent decision by the Pasadena City Council to name a new municipal pool in Northwest Pasadena after former Councilmember John Kennedy. This decision went against the Recreation and Parks Commission’s recommendation to name it after Griffin, based on results from a city survey. District 3 Councilmember Justin Jones then moved for the RBAC pool to be named after Griffin instead.

“Pasadena’s history mirrors the history of the United States,” Jones said. “Economic conflict was and is still often defined in racial terms. One of the best ways to understand and navigate the present is to study and understand the past. It’s also vital to note that, in addition to Dr. Griffin, for over 100 years there were many additional unsung Pasadena heroes of all races who resisted racial discrimination in Pasadena.”

The RBAC, a nonprofit organization, provides aquatic programs for the community, including a water safety program for local third-grade students, including those with special needs.