Black History Month (Photo – eda.gov)
Pasadena will honor Black History Month in February with a month-long series of events highlighting the significant contributions of African Americans to the nation’s history.
By News Desk
This celebration is a collaborative effort involving the Pasadena Public Library, Friends of the Pasadena Public Library, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services, the Pasadena Black History Committee, Pasadena Public Health, Pasadena Transit, Pasadena Public Affairs, and Pasadena Economic Development. The programs and events, which are free unless otherwise noted, are designed for all ages.
In addition to celebrating Black History Month, the City acknowledges the recent impact of the Eaton Fire on the community. “The City remains committed to supporting residents affected by the fire, and we encourage the community to come together in solidarity during this time. Information on recovery resources and support services will be available at select events throughout the month,” the City stated.
Programs
- Eat the Culture: African Foodways & Traditions
Saturday, Feb. 1
10:00 am
Location
Hastings Branch Library
3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
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. To attend, sign up at CityOfPasadena.net/Library/Calendar/. For ages 18+.
- Reggie Laurent Collage Class
Tuesday, Feb. 11
4:00 pm
Location
Villa Parke Branch Library
363 E. Villa St., 2nd Floor
Learn about African-American artist Reggie Laurent, then create a colorful masterpiece in his style. To attend, sign up at CityOfPasadena.net/Library/Calendar/. For ages 5-12.
- Celebration Stories
Wednesday, Feb. 26
10:30 am
Location
Santa Catalina Branch Library
999 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
Join a special storytime in celebration of Black History Month featuring children’s picture books written by Black authors. Stay afterward to make a craft to take home.
- Black Infant Health
Year-round
Monday-Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm
Friday: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
Location
1845 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
The Pasadena Black Infant Health (BIH) program supports Black women by offering a culturally supportive environment to raise healthy babies. Through group sessions, life planning, goal setting, and referrals, the program helps participants build skills, reduce stress, and create a supportive network. BIH is enrolling pregnant and postpartum mothers with infants up to 6 months old in the Greater Pasadena area, as well as Pomona, Claremont, and surrounding cities. To enroll, visit the BIH website or call (626) 744-6155 for eligibility questions.
Black-owned Businesses Spotlight Series
Support Black-Owned Businesses in Pasadena and Altadena Feb. 1 – 28
During February and all year long, support local Black-owned businesses. View a list of businesses in the Pasadena and Altadena area with African American owners created in collaboration with Hood Liberation. If you wish to add your business to the list, please fill out the online form.
Events
- Andrea J. Loney, Children’s Book Author
Tuesday, Feb. 4
1:00 pm
Location
La Pintoresca Branch Library
1355 N. Raymond Ave.
Kids are invited to meet Andrea J. Loney, author of the Caldecott Honor winning picture book Double Bass Blues, and other award-winning titles. Loney has worked for the film, television, and gaming industries, mostly at The Walt Disney Company, and now teaches writing and computer science. This event is sponsored by Chandler School. To attend, sign up at CityOfPasadena.net/Library/Calendar. (For groups of five or more, email akolakowski@cityofpasadena.net at least 24 hours in advance). For ages 5-12.
- Transit Equity Day*
Tuesday, Feb. 4
All Day
Pasadena Transit and Dial-A-Ride is offering free rides system wide on Tuesday, February 4, in honor of Transit Equity Day, celebrated in honor of Rosa Park’s 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.
- Derrick Barnes, Children’s Book Author
Monday, Feb. 10
4:00 pm
Location
La Pintoresca Branch Library
1355 N. Raymond Ave.
Kids, teens and caregivers are invited to meet author Derrick Barnes, winner of numerous awards including the Kirkus Prize and finalist for the National Book Award. This event is sponsored by Chandler School. To attend, sign up at CityOfPasadena.net/Library/Calendar. For groups of five or more, email akolakowski@cityofpasadena.net at least 24 hours in advance. For ages 3-18.
- Pasadena Rose Poets Celebrate Black History Month
Monday, Feb. 10
5:00 pm
Zoom
Pasadena Rose Poets share their poems and those of iconic poets, creating an array of experiences woven together into a whole cloth that stands the test of time. To attend, sign up at CityOfPasadena.net/Library/Calendar. For ages 18+.
- Discover Black History in Pasadena
Tuesday, Feb. 11
4:30 pm
Location
La Pintoresca Branch Library
1355 N. Raymond Ave.
Spend an afternoon with Okeyo A. Jumal, historian, educator and author of the historical novel Spiritual Shackles, set in Pasadena in the mid-20th-Century. Jumal will discuss his book and present a video about the history of Pasadena’s Black community. “Spiritual Shackles is an episodic story about love gained and lost. About history and history denied. About social complacency and social revolution. About blind faith and faith challenged. Shackles combines these ingredients into a suspenseful ‘gumbo’ that will shake the ground beneath your feet.” For ages 18+.
- Black History Festival
Saturday, February 15
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location
Robinson Park
1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
The Black History Parade & Festival Planning Committee and the City of Pasadena have canceled the parade portion of the event due to the devastating impact from the Eaton Fire on our community.
This year’s Black History Festival will focus on recovery within the community amidst the ongoing tragedy caused by the Eaton Fire. “Bringing together various resources to support our community in this unprecedented time of need, as well as providing a bit of joy is what the committee hopes to provide,” said Pixie Boyden, Co-chair of the Black History Parade & Festival Planning Committee. “The Altadena/Pasadena community is stronger than the current circumstances it finds itself and while it will take time to heal from this unbelievable tragedy, the Black History Planning Committee hopes to support its progress towards healing.”
Performers previously registered in the parade will have the opportunity to perform at Robinson Park between 10 – 11:30 a.m., with festival activities to follow until 3 p.m. All festival activities will be free and include entertainment, family-friendly activities, and community resources.
The Committee is seeking vendors that offer public assistance or other services free of charge to support the community needs. Vendor applications are encouraged to apply via the CivicRec system available at CityOfPasadena.net/Reserve under the “Special Events” tab.
- Celebrating Black Poets of La Pintoresca
Tuesday, Feb. 18
4:30 pm
Location
La Pintoresca Branch Library
1355 N. Raymond Ave.
Enjoy a poetry reading and discover Black poets from the Pasadena community featuring Lorinda Hawkins Smith, author, filmmaker, playwright, actor, comedian and musician; Beverly Lafontaine, poet and playwright; Josh Evans, poet, storyteller, voice actor, educator and podcaster; Aldonia R. Bailey, artist, educator and poet; and Spencer Burke, writer and full-time nursing student. For ages 18+.
- Family Blues Music Afternoon
Saturday, Feb. 22
3:00 pm
Location
Linda Vista Branch Library
1281 Bryant St.
Join an hour of soulful blues music that will lift your spirits and get your toes tapping with Brother Yusef, a master solo guitarist, who will take the audience on a musical journey through the heart of the blues. This is a family-friendly event, perfect for all ages to enjoy.
Crafts
Enjoy fun, free take-and-make crafts that are simple and easy to make!
Sign-ups begin at the start of the day unless a specific time is provided. Kits are limited to one per participant. For multiple participants, fill out multiple forms. Kits not picked up by a certain date will be released to those on the waiting list. For all ages unless specified.
Take & Make: Djembe African Drum Saturday, Feb. 1 While supplies last Location Hastings Branch Library 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
The djembe drum is said to have been invented in the 12th Century by the Mandinke tribe in what is now Mali, in West Africa. Traditionally, the djembe was used as a form of communication between tribes as it could resonate across long distances. Reserve a kit at CityOfPasadena.libwizard.com/f/Drum. Signups begin Saturday, February 1. Kits can be picked up at Hastings Branch Library. For ages 4 and up.
Exhibits
100th Anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters Monday – Saturday Feb. 1 – 28 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Location La Pintoresca Branch Library 1355 N. Raymond Ave.
This year celebrates the centennial of A. Phillip Randolph’s founding of the first Black labor union: the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. With the theme of “Labor,” the exhibit showcases the important role of sleeping car porters and Blacks in railroad history. Presented in partnership with La Pintoresca Library Associates.
As we celebrate this meaningful month, the City warmly invites everyone to come together in honoring the resilience, culture, and accomplishments of African Americans, while strengthening unity and support throughout our community.
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