Sportscaster Jim Hill to Serve as Grand Marshal of Pasadena’s 41st Black History Parade, Dedicated to late Councilmember John J. Kennedy

Sportscaster Jim Hill will serve as the grand marshal of Pasadena’s 41st annual Black History Parade and Festival. The parade, which is dedicated to the late Councilmember John J. Kennedy, will take place on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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“We are honored to have Jim Hill as our grand marshal this year, and we look forward to a memorable celebration of African American excellence and heritage,” said a spokesperson for the Black History Planning Committee.

The theme of this year’s parade is “Celebrating our Excellence – The Legacy of Councilmember John J. Kennedy” and will feature over 80 entries showcasing the achievements and contributions of African Americans in the community. The parade will start at Fair Oaks Ave. and Mountain View St. and conclude at Robinson Park, where the festival will continue from noon to 4 p.m.

The spirit of Councilmember Kennedy and the excellence he exuded will be exemplified throughout the day’s activities.

Community grand marshals, Judge Pamela Dansby and Judge Tara Newman, both natives of Pasadena and sitting judges in the Los Angeles County Superior Court, will also be in attendance.

The parade will feature appearances by other celebrities and special guests including former UCLA Bruin and New York Giants defensive back Darnay Holmes, and actress Gretchen Palmer, known for her roles in Hollywood films and TV shows. Elected officials such as Congressmembers Judy Chu and Adam Schiff, State Senator Anthony Portantino, Assemblymember Chris Holden, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Mayor Victor Gordo, Pasadena City Councilmembers, and PUSD School Board members are also set to attend.

The festival, which will take place in Robinson Park after the parade, promises to be a fun-filled, family-friendly event. It will feature live performances by R&B artist Michel’le and the band Luv from Abuv, food, informational booths, a children’s zone, and a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) fair.

Free parking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at Calvary Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 135 Glorieta St. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to navigate street closures and find parking, with several streets in the area set to be closed for the parade and festival. The parade will be recorded in its entirety by Pasadena Media and will air live on both KPAS and Arroyo, the city’s community access channel.

Sponsors for the 2023 Black History Parade and Festival include The Bakewell Company, NAACP Pasadena Branch, Huntington Hospital, Pasadena Tournament of Roses, Pasadena Recreation and Parks Foundation, Pasadena Management Association, Pasadena Black Municipal Employees Association, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, 110 to the End Motorcycle Club, Way of Life Car Club, and City Roses Car Club. Media sponsors include Pasadena Media, Los Angeles Sentinel, and Pasadena Black Pages.

The City also announced planned Parade and festival-related street closures for Feb. 18. Motorists are asked to use caution while driving through the Parade area that day. The following streets will be closed during the shown times:

• Hammond St. between Fair Oaks Ave. and Morton Ave., 7 a.m.- 6 p.m.
• Morton Ave. between Mountain St. and Hammond St., 7 a.m.- 6 p.m.
• Fair Oaks Ave. between Woodbury Rd and Harriet St., 7 a.m.- noon
• Fair Oaks Ave. between Mountain St. and Woodbury Rd, 9 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
• Mountain St. between Raymond Ave. and Sunset St., 9 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.

The Black History Parade and Festival in Pasadena is one of the largest and longest-running events of its kind in Southern California, and it is anticipated to attract a large crowd of participants and spectators from the surrounding areas. The event serves as an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the achievements of African Americans while also remembering the legacy of Councilmember John J. Kennedy.

For more information about the parade, festival, and other activities, contact the Jackie Robinson Community Center at (626) 744-7300.