Guest Opinion | Ronald K. Matthews: How So Few Inspired So Many

When I think about Gerald Freeny and his historic journey with the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, I don’t think only about the position he ultimately achieved. I think about generations of African Americans in Pasadena who saw the Tournament as an important part of our community, the relatively few African American members who stepped forward in earlier years, and the many—including me—who were inspired because they did.

For much of the Tournament’s history, African American representation among its volunteers was limited. That made the presence and service of those early members especially meaningful.

Men such as Otis “O.T.” Triplett, Don J. Wilson, and other early African American members were doing more than volunteering for one of Pasadena’s most recognized institutions. Through their service, they demonstrated the importance of participation, commitment and giving back to our community.

People were watching.

I was one of them.

And then there was Gerald Freeny.

Gerald’s journey demonstrated what could happen when greater opportunity was met with commitment, patience, service and leadership. A Pasadena native, Gerald joined the Tournament in 1988 and spent decades serving the organization, accepting the responsibilities and traditions that define Tournament membership.

He didn’t enter expecting to become a history-maker.

He served.

And through that service, history eventually found him.

Gerald became the first African American president of the Tournament of Roses, providing leadership for the 2019 Tournament year and presiding over the 130th Rose Parade and 105th Rose Bowl Game.

That was an important moment in Tournament history and an especially meaningful one for many African Americans in Pasadena. One of our own had reached the highest leadership position in an organization that means so much to our city.

Gerald’s journey is also part of a larger story of African American service and participation in the Tournament.

My connection to O.T. goes back much further than my own involvement with the Tournament.

O.T. cut my hair when I was a young boy.

At that age, I didn’t understand representation, leadership or the significance of community involvement. He was simply O.T., the man standing behind the barber chair cutting my hair.

Only later did I understand the example that men like him were setting.

There is something remarkable about remembering that young boy sitting in O.T.’s barber chair and realizing that years later I would put on the same white suit and become a Tournament of Roses member myself.

O.T. also understood something essential about leadership: encourage someone else to become involved. Craig Washington has publicly credited O.T. with encouraging him to join the Tournament. Craig accepted that invitation and went on to establish his own distinguished record of service and leadership.

That is how traditions grow stronger.

One person serves. Another encourages someone else. Another accepts the opportunity. Each generation adds its own contribution.

This history also includes respected African American community leaders who encouraged broader participation and representation.

In the early 1990s, Joe Hopkins, Danny Bakewell Sr., and Jim Morris were among the community leaders who advocated for greater African American and minority participation in the Tournament during an important period of change. Their efforts became part of a broader community dialogue about participation and representation.

Years later, Joe Brown, through his leadership with the Pasadena NAACP, continued that conversation. Brown helped bring community concerns regarding African American employment to Tournament leadership, continuing a dialogue about participation and opportunity.

Some served within organizations; others led through community advocacy. Together, they encouraged greater participation in Pasadena’s civic life.

That history is worth recognizing—not to criticize the past, but to appreciate the progress that has been made and the people who contributed to it.

The Tournament of Roses I am proud to serve today brings together volunteers around an extraordinary tradition of service.

As a current Tournament member, that means something deeply personal to me.

When I became a member, I wasn’t beginning a journey by myself.

I was following examples that had already inspired me.

I had grown up knowing O.T. I had witnessed Gerald Freeny’s example and historic leadership. And over the years, I saw African American men—including pioneers like O.T. and Don J. Wilson—wearing that white suit with pride, giving their time, accepting responsibility and serving the Tournament and the Pasadena community.

Their presence mattered to me. Their example showed me that I, too, could be part of this tradition of service.

Their example changed the question in my mind. Instead of wondering, “Could I be part of this?” I began to think, “How can I serve?”

Today, when I put on my white suit and fulfill my responsibilities as a Tournament member, I understand that someone else may be watching.

There may be another young African American boy in Pasadena who doesn’t know our names, committees or titles. He may simply see someone who looks like him participating in one of Pasadena’s greatest traditions.

Sometimes that is enough to plant the seed.

That is why Gerald’s legacy extends far beyond being the first African American president of the Tournament of Roses.

O.T., Don J. Wilson, and other early African American members provided examples. Craig Washington and others continued that tradition. Joe Hopkins, Danny Bakewell Sr., Jim Morris and, in a later period, Joe Brown encouraged broader conversations about participation and opportunity.

And Gerald showed us what dedication, perseverance and service could accomplish.

Gerald, your journey did more than make Tournament history. Your years of service, your leadership and ultimately your presidency gave those of us who followed something meaningful to look toward. For African American members like me, seeing you rise to become president demonstrated what was possible through commitment to the Tournament and service to our community.

Your example inspired others.

I am one of them.

And today, as a Tournament member myself, I am proud to continue that tradition of service and, hopefully, inspire someone else to follow.

That, to me, is how so few can inspire so many.

Ronald K. Matthews Sr., Tournament of Roses Member

I write in my personal capacity and not for the Tournament organization.