Pasadena is celebrating Black History Month with virtual programs, events, and activities for all ages.
By Events Manager
A month long series of programs in February is offered by Pasadena Public Library, the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department, and the Pasadena Black History Committee.
Highlighted events
- Support Black Owned Businesses
Visit Pasadena’s Parks and Rec page for a list of businesses. - African and African American Tales with Storyteller Michael D. McCarty
Storyteller Michael D. McCarty entertains and educates with tales from Africa and of African Americans that depict the challenges and triumphs of Black people throughout history. For ages 5+. Perfect for families! Sign up at https://pasadena.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?eventid=3745.
Thursday, Feb. 11, 4:00 pm, Zoom - Pasadena People, Places and Events Shaped by African Americans
Take a virtual tour with local community members as they provide information on landmarks, educational institutions, sports, business and other areas impacted by Black Pasadenans. For more information and to sign up, visit Pasadena’s Parks and Rec page.
Monday, Feb. 15-Friday, Feb. 19 - Music Activity – Jungle Drum Circle with Chazz Ross
Celebrate Black History Month with Chazz Ross’s Jungle Drum-Circle performance. Enjoy an amazing percussion show with African Djembe drums and learn about their history. Drawing on 40 years of experience in African music and dance, Chazz delivers an exciting performance for all ages. Sign up here. Monday, Feb. 22, 2 p.m., Zoom - Storytime for Grownups
Find a comfy chair and settle in on Instagram Live as we read aloud from classic works by African American authors in honor of Black History Month. Get lit(erature)! For adults. Join on Instagram Live at @pasadenalibrary.
Mondays, 4 p.m., Instagram Live - Book Discussion – Hastings Branch Book Chit Chat: The Vanishing Half
In celebration of Black History Month, join us as we discuss The Vanishing Half by author Brit Bennet. Sign up at Sign up here.
Tuesday, Feb. 2, 6:30 p.m., Zoom - Lecture – Fatphobia as Anti-Blackness: The Origins of Weight Stigma
The medical establishment tells us that we are in an “obesity epidemic” and that Black people–and Black women especially–should lose weight. But, is this rooted in health concerns? In this presentation, Sabrina Strings, Associate Professor of Sociology at University of California, Irvine will show that the aversion to fatness is not rooted in medical concerns; rather, it dates back to slavery. Moreover, even the medical field is implicated in its racist and sexist origins. Sign up at Sign up here.
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 5:00 pm, Zoom - Lecture – 200 Years of Black Pioneers in Pasadena and Los Angeles
Presented by Dave Nufer, a program developer, researcher, and docent for Pasadena Heritage and The LA Conservancy. He has previously given talks at the library on “Hispanic Influences on California Architecture,” and “The Asian Roots of Pasadena’s Arts and Crafts Architecture.” Sign up here.
Wednesday, Feb. 17, 4 p.m., Zoom - Teen Activity – Paint With Us
Join us for a painting tutorial inspired by Black History Month. Supplies available for pickup if needed. View the live stream at the library’s YouTube channel. For teens ages 12-18. Sign up here.
Wednesday, Feb. 24, 4 p.m., Zoom - Children’s Activity – Chocolate Storytime
An afternoon of storytelling and village building, featuring stories authored by and/or about African Americans. Join on Facebook as Dr. Ayesha Randall reads a book celebrating the culture of Black Americans. For ages 3+.
Friday, Feb. 26, 4 p.m., Facebook - Film – Drive-in Movie
Selma (2014) PG-13
A chronicle of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, in 1965. Free (pre-registration required). For more information and to sign up, visit Pasadena’s Parks and Rec page.
Saturday, Feb. 20, 6:00 pm, Rose Bowl
> Plus, you can view movies anytime you wish at home, available through hoopla at hoopladigital.com. Full schedule of events is available at pasadenapubliclibrary.net and Pasadena’s Parks and Rec page.
Library programming is sponsored by The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library. The Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department and Pasadena Black History Committee are holding events in lieu of Pasadena’s 39th Annual Black History Month Parade and Festival.
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