Pasadena Village, a collective of independent older adults who live in their own homes, is organizing a series of free public programs this February to celebrate Black History Month. The initiative’s mission is to preserve and share African American history through educational discussions, poetry readings, and art appreciation events that bring together community members of all ages.
“Black history is American history. But, there are forces afoot deliberately attempting to erase much of our collective history. It is important that we make the effort to stay aware and hear the untold stories. Our programs at Pasadena Village celebrating Black History Month represent our effort to keep the truth alive,” says Dick Myers, a Village leader.
The month-long celebration features four main events, beginning with a conversation with John Williams, Executive Director of the Center for Restorative Justice, on Feb. 6 from 2-3:30 p.m. at Washington Park Community House at 700 E Washington Blvd. in Pasadena. Williams, a University of California, Berkeley and University of Southern California Law School graduate who serves as an adjunct professor at Azusa Pacific University and Life Pacific College, brings nearly 30 years of experience in peacemaking and racial reconciliation work. He leads multiethnic civil rights tours and specializes in coaching groups on biblical multicultural awareness.
A poetry gathering focused on African American poets will be held on Feb. 20 from 2-3:30 p.m. at the same location.
“The healing power of poetry is needed right now. Anyone can attend, read or listen, to enjoy the beauty of the spoken word. The February Poetry Gathering is a special celebration of the work of African American poets. Everyone is welcome to read a poem, listen or comment,” explains Jim Hendrick, who facilitates the Village’s monthly poetry group. Participants are invited to bring poems — famous, infamous, or original — to share.
Two Zoom events complete the programming: On Feb. 21 at noon, art enrichment facilitator Helane Rheingold will lead an interactive workshop exploring West African Art, focusing on techniques for interpreting works and examining the craftsmanship from regions where enslaved people were forcefully taken to America. This session is part of Pasadena Village’s “1619, The Lingering Imprint” group, inspired by The New York Times’ “1619 Project,” which provides a safe space for discussing the history and ongoing impact of racism in America.
The final event on Feb. 28 at noon features William “Bill” Gould V discussing his great-great-grandfather, William B. Gould, whose remarkable journey from escaping slavery in 1862 to becoming a Civil War Navy veteran is chronicled in the biography Diary of a Contraband. The elder Gould settled in Massachusetts with his wife and eight children, becoming a respected community member.
Pasadena Village offers older adults a place to age in place while exploring interests, preparing for their future, connecting with others, sharing resources, and remaining actively involved in the community. The organization’s “1619” group meets third Fridays at noon and regularly welcomes new participants.
For registration and additional information, including specific Zoom links for virtual events, visit https://pasadena.helpfulvillage.com/pages/10047-community-events,-open-to-the-public or call 626-765-6037.
