South Pasadena Condemns Its History as a Sundown Town

South Pasadena residents performing a skit in blackface. Location unconfirmed but likely SPHS auditorium (File Photo – South Pasadena Public Library)

SOUTH PASADENA – ColoradoBoulevard.net:

On February 2, 2022, the South Pasadena City Council approved a resolution condemning the City’s history as a Sundown Town and Past Practices of Institutionalized Racism.

By News Desk

The 5-0 Council vote in support of Resolution No. 7750 included the following recommendations:

1- Adopt a resolution entitled “Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Pasadena Condemning the City’s History as a Sundown Town and Past Practices of Institutionalized Racism”; and

2- Direct staff to attend information sessions on the Government Alliance on Race & Equity (GARE) and discuss the membership with our neighboring cities; and

3- Direct staff to engage in the following Equity-Developing Activities:

• a) Review the deeds of properties currently owned by the City or owned in the future in coordination with LA County Registrar Recorder adoption and implementation plan; remove any existing racially restrictive housing covenants; and for any property purchased in the future remove the racially restrictive housing covenant prior accepting property;
• b) Hire artists to perform at the Music in the Parks reflecting a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, countries, and sounds;
• c) Support an annual community forum in demonstration of South Pasadena’s commitment to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the community; hosted by Assistant to the City Manager Tamara Binns;
• d) Continue to support the spirit of inclusionary initiatives proposed by county legislation, budget proposals, and policies that would reverse past racist policies and reduce racial disparities consistent with this Resolution, and actively oppose state and county legislation, budget proposals, and policies that would impede the goals of the Resolution Condemning the City’s History as a Sundown Town and Past Practices of Institutionalized Racism”;
• e) Continue to promote diversity in the membership of city commissions; and
• f) Continue to provide diversity, equity, and inclusion training for all city employees.

Residents can register to attend the upcoming Government Alliance on Race & Equity information session being held virtually on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 10:00 am and Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 10:00 am. Click to register).

Source: City of South Pasadena