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Participants at Pasadena's 43rd Annual Black History Festival, held in Robinson Park on Saturday, February 15, 2025. [City of Pasadena Photo]
Participants at Pasadena's 43rd Annual Black History Festival, held in Robinson Park on Saturday, February 15, 2025. [City of Pasadena Photo]
Participants at Pasadena's 43rd Annual Black History Festival, held in Robinson Park on Saturday, February 15, 2025. [City of Pasadena Photo]
Participants at Pasadena's 43rd Annual Black History Festival, held in Robinson Park on Saturday, February 15, 2025. [City of Pasadena Photo]
Participants at Pasadena's 43rd Annual Black History Festival, held in Robinson Park on Saturday, February 15, 2025. [City of Pasadena Photo]
Participants at Pasadena's 43rd Annual Black History Festival, held in Robinson Park on Saturday, February 15, 2025. [City of Pasadena Photo]
Participants at Pasadena's 43rd Annual Black History Festival, held in Robinson Park on Saturday, February 15, 2025. [City of Pasadena Photo]
Participants at Pasadena's 43rd Annual Black History Festival, held in Robinson Park on Saturday, February 15, 2025. [City of Pasadena Photo]
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, there was no parade down Fair Oaks Avenue this year, but Pasadena held its 43rd Black History Month Community Resource Fair at Jackie Robinson Park on Saturday for hundreds of local residents. Organizers made the decision to shift from a traditional parade to a resource fair, ensuring that essential services and support were available to those in need.
“What we turned this into, is a resource festival where we are able to give resources out to the community,” said Pasadena Recreation and Community Services Administrator Kenny James. Inside the auditorium, a variety of nonprofits, as well as FEMA, the Red Cross, and the LA County Department of Public Works, provided vital services to attendees.
Free meals were distributed by four food trucks in conjunction with World Central Kitchen, a group that has been providing meals throughout the community since the Eaton Fire broke out on January 7, reinforcing the event’s commitment to helping those still affected by the fire.
Entertainment remained a central aspect of the event, with performances spanning gospel, R&B, and jazz.
“Earlier today, we had four or five bands that were able to participate in the field,” James noted, noting the group of school marching bands, including those from John Muir High School and Pasadena High School, on the center’s soccer field.
The event also saw a host of local leaders and elected officials joining the celebration. Mayor Victor Gordo and Vice Mayor Jessica Rivas, as well as Councilmembers Justin Jones and Tyron Hampton, attended, along with Congresswoman Judy Chu, State Senator Sasha Renée Pérez and State Assemblymember John Hagabedian, along with a number of Pasadena Unified School District board members.
“Today, at Pasadena’s Black History Month Festival at Robinson Park, we came together—not just to celebrate Black history, but to honor the strength, unity, and resilience of this community,” said Mayor Victor Gordo. “After the devastating Eaton Fire, we stand shoulder to shoulder, not only to support those affected but to remind each other that we are never alone.
“It was incredible to see our students performing with their school bands, families and parents cheering them on, and the joy and laughter on people’s faces as we came together in celebration,” the Mayor continued.
“City departments, FEMA, the Red Cross, and many others were there today, to ensure that everyone had access to the resources they need to rebuild and recover,” he said. “Pasadena and Altadena are strong because their people are strong. And together, we will come out of this stronger than ever.
The Divine Nine, an association of historic black fraternities, was also in attendance, emphasizing the importance and availability of educational opportunities for youth.
“Oh, I loved it,” said Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin. “Right in the midst of so much tragedy, it’s been so fun to just walk around and see people dancing, and just having good conversations and enjoying each other. They’ve been so kind. 90% of the people have been really kind.
“So many people have been here despite so many people losing their homes,” the Chief said.
“The overwhelming majority of the community has been thankful for our efforts, which is all the men and women that work for the fire department, who did everything they could to save as many lives and property as possible,”
Despite the challenges that necessitated changes to the festival’s format, James added, “It’s been a nice vibe today with just a positive environment, for people to be able to experience some form of togetherness and unity amongst all the tragedies that have happened in the community.”
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