Love reigns over the protest on June 19, 2020 (Photos – Mike Pashistoran)
The caravan began at the Rose Bowl and ended at Centennial Square in the heart of Pasadena.
By Rena Kurlander
The rally, sponsored by the Pasadena branch of the NAACP and the National Day Laborer Organizing Network (NDLON), to celebrate Juneteeth (Cel-Liberation), took place at City Hall upon the arrival of the caravan from the Rose Bowl. Speakers included State Senator Anthony Portantino and Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek. Portantino expressed his support for the rally and Mayor Tornek assured the crowd, “We are listening to all you have to say.”
A document listing demands for overhauling the Pasadena Police Department was introduced and distributed at the rally. The “Pasadena Community Bill of Rights and Declaration of Interdependence” is the work of the NAACP, NDLON, the Interdenominational Ministry Alliance, the Christian Clergy Coalition, the Coalition for Increased Civilian Oversight of Pasadena Police and Pasadenans Organizing for Progress (Pop!).
The rally was well-attended by determined and well-informed youth, with strong representation by white-haired old salts who have attended every protest since the 60s.
A separate demonstration in front of the Pasadena Police Department took place before the main rally; it was led by members of Black Lives Matter. At the conclusion of the BLM event, dozens of the participants moved away from the main event toward Marengo and Orange Grove and the rest joined the Juneteeth celebration.
Arrest
Before the caravan arrived, a black, homeless man engaged in an agitated exchange with a BLM leader. He was arrested and taken to the police station for evaluation following tension as the crowd chanted “Let him go.” Lt. Bill Grisafe told ColoradoBoulevard.net that the individual “appeared to suffer from a mental issue.” Observers expressed the view that the number of police involved in the response was disproportionate and noted that most did not wear masks. After the arrest, a person was observed waving a “Blue Lives Matter” flag.
The caravan from the Rose Bowl arrived about 15 minutes after the arrest. Police presence for the rally was minimal.
Photos and videos
Juneteenth Pasadena Style: Caravan for Black Lives (Photo – Toti O’Brien)
Mayor Terry Tornek and his wife Maria Mascoli Tornek (Photo – Wafic Khalil)
View this post on Instagram
During the arrest, “Defund the Police” sign next to a black and white American flag (Photo – Rena Kurlander)
Side demonstration (Photo – Wafic Khalil)
Councilmember Victor Gordo on Spanish TV (Photo – Wafic Khalil)
“We Are Humans” (Photo – Rena Kurlander)
Rena Kurlander is a resident of San Gabriel valley.
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