Chef Dená Brummer Presents African Foodways Workshop (Photo – denabrummer.com)
From informative history to cooking workshops to a large outdoor festival with a classic car show, Pasadena City Departments and special guests bring the contributions, culture and celebration of Black History to life this month.
By Melanie Hooks
– Month-long Programs
Black Infant Health (BIH) Program (Year-round)
For 35 years, the Black Infant Health (BIH) Program has been a cornerstone of support in the Pasadena community. Dedicated to reducing disparities among birthing people, BIH strives to connect, empower, and uplift families through culturally affirming care. The program is now enrolling pregnant and postpartum birthing people across the Greater San Gabriel Valley, offering group sessions and personalized one-on-one support to help participants thrive.
Monday - Thursday 8:00 am - 5:30 pm Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm Location Pasadena Community Health Center 1845 N. Fair Oaks Ave. Pasadena, CA 91103
For more information or to inquire about eligibility, call (626) 744-6155, or complete the online interest form at bit.ly/BIHForm.
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Black-owned Businesses Social Media Spotlight Series
The City’s Communications and Marketing Division and Economic Development Division under the City Manager’s Office are set to spotlight Black-owned businesses in Pasadena. Follow along as local gems are highlighted on social media, including Facebook and Instagram (@CityOfPasadena).
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– Events and Workshops
Transit Equity Day
Pasadena Transit and Dial-A-Ride are offering free rides system-wide on Wednesday, February 4, in honor of Transit Equity Day, celebrated in honor of Rosa Parks’ birthday. Transit Equity Day is a national day of action to commemorate the birthday of Rosa Parks by declaring that public transit is a civil right. Ms. Parks, an iconic civil rights leader, refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, in protest and to demand an end to segregation on transit systems.
Wednesday, Feb. 4 All day
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Eat the Culture: African Foodways & Traditions
African cooking techniques, traditions, and flavors have traveled all over the world. This culinary diaspora was shaped initially by the brutalities of the transatlantic slave trade, which forced African people separated from their homelands to retain and reinvent traditional dishes, find and experiment with substitute ingredients, and pass down to their children the cultural significance of particular foods to nourish the soul as well as the body. In this workshop, Chef Denà Brummer will share the delights, comforts, revelations, and recipes of Black foodways. For ages 18+.
Session One Saturday, Feb. 7 11:00 am Location Linda Vista Branch Library 1281 Bryant St. Pasadena, CA 91103
Session Two Saturday, Feb. 14 10:30 am Location Hastings Branch Library 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107
To attend, sign up at CityOfPasadena.net/Library/Calendar.
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Celebrating the Life of Bridget “Biddy” Mason
Lorinda Hawkins Smith’s theatrical presentation brings to life the extraordinary story of Bridget “Biddy” Mason, a formerly enslaved woman who became a nurse, real estate entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a foundational figure in Los Angeles history. Mason (1818–1891) won her freedom in a landmark California court case and became one of the first Black women to own property in Los Angeles, using her wealth to support her community. Join in a celebration of resilience, community, and empowerment. For ages 5+.
Friday, Feb. 20 4:00 pm Location La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave. Pasadena, CA 91103
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Black History Festival
Join local schools, community groups, elected officials, dignitaries, neighbors, and friends at the 44th Annual Black History Festival at Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave. This event is sponsored by the City of Pasadena and the Pasadena Black History Planning Committee. The festival features live entertainment, youth performances, community resource booths, food trucks, and tons of fun! For more information, please visit CityOfPasadena.net/Parks-And-Rec.
Saturday, Feb. 21 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Location Robinson Park 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave. Pasadena, CA 91103
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Celebrate Black History from 1865 to Juneteenth!
Join us for a special Black History Month program featuring the talented artist John Barge! Discover the powerful journey of Black history from 1865 to Juneteenth as Barge guides students through this crucial period, highlighting key historical dates and milestones in a unique, engaging presentation.
Every student will receive an illustrated coloring book featuring the events discussed, and then choose a historical event page and bring it to life by coloring their own piece of history. For ages 5 – 19.
Friday, Feb. 27 4:00 pm Location Hastings Branch Library 3255 E. Orange Grove Blvd. Pasadena, CA 91107
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