Community Grand Marshal Danny Bakewell Jr. Upholds Family Legacy at Pasadena’s Black History Parade

As Pasadena prepared for its 42nd Annual Black History Parade, Community Grand Marshal Danny Bakewell Jr. shared his reflections on the event’s significance and his role in it. 

Bakewell Jr., a real estate developer and Executive Editor of the Los Angeles Sentinel and L.A. Watts Times, will join fellow Community Grand Marshal Pastor Emeritus William Turner Jr. in Southern California’s largest and longest-running Black History Parade on Saturday, Feb. 17.

Bakewell Jr. comes from a family deeply rooted in civil rights and community service. 

His father, Danny Bakewell Sr., is a renowned civil rights activist and entrepreneur whose advocacy for social justice and equality has left a lasting impact on the Tournament of Roses and the Pasadena community.

“I lived in a house with two major civil rights activists,” Bakewell Jr. told Pasadena Now. “My dad, Danny Sr. has always been a very loud and outspoken advocate for better opportunities and a better life for African Americans. But, my mom Aline, who is also an attorney, is equally as passionate about uplifting the lives of Black people, as a teenager my mom was arrested for being involved in a civil rights protest in New Orleans.”

As a Community Grand Marshal, Bakewell Jr. aims to honor those who have paved the way for future generations. 

“In everything I do I want to represent my family and make them proud. Serving as this year’s parade Community Grand Marshal, I want to represent those Pasadenans who paved the way for me and my children,” he said, emphasizing the importance of recognizing local figures like Lois Richards and Loretta Glickman, as well as unsung heroes such as Georgia Holloway and Audrey Brantley.

Bakewell Jr. acknowledges the progress made in Pasadena since his family moved here in 1976, noting the city’s increased sense of inclusion, diversity, and equity. However, he also points out the ongoing struggles for African Americans,.

 “African Americans still have to fight for a seat at the table and even if we get invited to sit at the table we don’t always get offered an opportunity to eat, nor are we insured if given the opportunity to eat that we will be served the same meal or the same quality meat as the others sitting at the table.”

The parade, according to Bakewell Jr., is more than a celebration; it’s a moment to acknowledge the contributions of Black individuals to Pasadena’s history. 

“Pasadena’s Black History Parade is so much more than just a parade and/or day to all get-together. It is an opportunity to shine a light and represent those Men and Women who paved the way for me and us all,” he said.

Bakewell Jr. also paid homage to former Pasadenan Jackie Robinson for his triumph over discrimination in Major League Baseball and his embodiment of the challenges faced by countless African Americans. 

“Jackie Robinson may very well be the most famous Black Man from the City of Pasadena. His ability to overcome so much discrimination, to rise above all the hate and discrimination and to succeed with class and dignity is something for the world to admire,” he said.

Looking to the future, Bakewell Jr. aspires to equal opportunities for African Americans in Pasadena and nationwide. He sees cultural events like the parade as a tribute to the rich history and a reminder of the journey ahead. 

“It is a reminder to all that we have overcome so much, but it also should serve as a reminder that we have so far to still go,” Bakewell Jr. said.