Women for Racial Justice Breakfast Breaks Tradition, Moves Venue to Support Hotel Workers

In a break from tradition, the annual Women for Racial Justice Breakfast will be held at a new venue this year. The event, which has historically taken place at the Pasadena Hilton Hotel, will be moved to the Noor Sofia Ballroom at Paseo Colorado.

The Hilton hotel is currently involved in a labor dispute with Unite Here Local 11 labor union, whose members have been negotiating for high wages and changes to working conditions.

The decision to change locations for this year’s Oct. 24 edition was made by Glendale and Pasadena YWCA, which has been organizing the event for years. It comes, according to organizers, in support of hotel workers and their ongoing labor dispute with the Pasadena Hilton.

“We made the difficult decision to move our venue in response to the ongoing labor dispute between UNITE HERE Local 11 labor union members and 61 hotels across Los Angeles and Orange County, including the Hilton Pasadena,” a post on the event website said. “We decided to change venues to support hotel workers and their rights to negotiate for fair wages and better working conditions.”

The Women for Racial Justice Breakfast has been a long-standing event in the Pasadena community and aims to bring together individuals committed to advancing racial justice and addressing disparities. 

This year’s theme is “Illuminating Bridges In Solidarity,” reflecting an intersectional approach to racial equity. Among the speakers expected at the event include Emmy Award-Winning KTLA News Anchor Cher Calvin and Emiliana Guereca, founder of the Women’s March Foundation.

As a fundraising event, the event attracts a wide range of attendees, including corporate and community leaders, elected officials, and professionals throughout LA County. By sponsoring the breakfast, Glendale and Pasadena YWCA hopes to deepen engagement with YWCA supporters, raise funds for YWCA programs and services, and raise awareness about societal issues at the intersection of race and gender.

During the breakfast, a group of women and a Pasadena-area organization will also be recognized as the 2023 YWCA Women for Racial Justice honorees for their work in advancing racial equity and building bridges. 

The breakfast on Oct. 24 opens at 8 a.m. Noor Pasadena is at 300 E. Colorado Blvd. Suite 200. 

For more information, visit the event webpage, https://www.ywcagp.org/2023wrjb/.