Pasadena 2015 Black History Month Parade, Special Events Announced

Celebrate Black History Month 2015 in Pasadena by attending the parade and other special events, lectures and activities beginning Friday, Jan. 30, through Sunday, March 15, 2015. Pasadena’s Black History Month Parade is one of the largest in the U.S. Pasadena Media, www.pasadenamedia.tv, will record the parade in its entirety for broadcast on KPAS, the City’s government TV station. A comprehensive list of the events follows. All events are free unless otherwise noted.

Friday, Jan. 30
“Opening Reception” Join the Black History Parade & Festival Planning Committee at its Opening Reception from 3-5 p.m. at the Jackie Robinson Community Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave., in celebration of the 33rd annual Black History Month Parade and Festival. This year’s theme is “Our Heritage: The Bridge to the Future.” Call (626) 744-7300 for more information.

Saturday, Jan. 31
“Red, Black & Green Honors Dinner” Black History Parade & Festival Planning Committee honors parade grand marshals and presents community service awards, 7-9 p.m., Hilton Hotel, 168 S. Los Robles Ave. Call the Jackie Robinson Center, (626) 744-7300, to purchase tickets, $60 per person.

Sunday, Feb. 1
“Historical View of African-American Families” Explore the lives of African-American families through African-American literature and the civil rights movement in a special exhibit, Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd., Feb. 1-28. Open during regular hours. Call (626) 744-7262 for info.

“Exploring Human Culture Through Art” works by Luis Ituarte on exhibit Feb. 1-28, at the Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.

Tuesday, Feb. 3
“Genealogy Search” Discover your heritage with the Pasadena African-American Genealogy Group 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave. (626) 744-7268 for info.

Saturday, Feb. 7
“Praise Dance Workshop” Learn liturgical dance techniques and how to incorporate praise dance props into your routine from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Alkebu-Ian Cultural Center, 1435 E. Raymond Ave.

“Photo Glimpses of Black History in Pasadena” Enjoy a lecture and slideshow on the long and rich history of African-Americans in Pasadena starting at 10:30 a.m. at La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave. Presented by Adrian Panton, attorney and Pasadena Museum of History docent.

“Genealogy Search” Uncover your past with the Pasadena African-American Genealogy Group from 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Lamanda Park Branch Library, 140 S. Altadena Dr. (626) 744-7266 for details.

“Youth Open Mic and Film Festival” Experience an evening of enlightenment through poetry, spoken word, song, rap and film from 5-9 p.m. at the Alkebu-Ian Cultural Center, 1435 E. Raymond Ave.

Sunday, Feb. 8
“Black Film Showcase” Watch “Dear White People,” a satirical film about race relations, 2 p.m. at the Jackie Robinson Community Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave. Sponsored by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Pasadena Alumnae Chapter.

Saturday, Feb. 14
“Valentine’s Day Dance” Celebrate love and acceptance 8 p.m. at the Alkebu-Ian Cultural Center, 1435 E. Raymond Ave. Call (626) 744-7300 to purchase tickets, $10 per person.

“Exploring the Perception Gap” Engage in an interactive dialogue on how people of different backgrounds interpret current events beginning at 3 p.m. at La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave. Facilitated by the Los Angeles Coming to the Table Chapter.

Wednesday, Feb. 18
“Blues Tunes for Kids” Local bluesman Brother Yusef introduces children to the living blues through singing and movement ,1 p.m. at the La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave.

Thursday, Feb. 19
“Author Talk” Gerda Govine Ituarte will discuss and read from her two poetry art books, “Oh, Where is My Candle Hat?” and “Alternations/Thread Light Through Eye of Storm” starting at 7 p.m. at the Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd. Q & A, book sales and signing will follow.

Saturday, Feb. 21
“33rd Annual Black History Parade and Festival” Begins at 10 a.m. at Charles White Park in Altadena, heads south on Fair Oaks Avenue and ends at Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave. After the parade, enjoy the Black History Festival on Hammond Street and the north side of Robinson Park from 12-4:30 p.m. Food for purchase, fun activities for kids, displays, music and other free fun.

Tuesday, Feb. 24
“Jazzy Ash and the Leapin’ Lizards” Dance and sing along to family friendly music from New Orleans! The fun begins at 3:30 p.m. at Santa Catalina Branch Library, 999 E. Washington Blvd.

Thursday, Feb. 26
“NOBLE Black History Breakfast” with the Pasadena Police and Fire departments and San Gabriel Valley Chapter, National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), 8-10 a.m. at the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St. Call (626) 744-4547 or (626) 744-7054 for info.

“Black Mexica” Learn about the African presence in Mexico, 1519 to 1810. Presented by Dr. Gloria Arjona at 7 p.m. at the Central Library, Donald Wright Auditorium, 285 E. Walnut St.

Friday, Feb. 27
“Chocolate Story Time” Enjoy an afternoon of storytelling and village building for ages 3 and older, featuring stories authored by and/or about African-Americans followed by a chocolate treat! Led by Dr. Ayesha Randall, the event starts at 4 p.m. at La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave.

“Senior Night Out” Enjoy good food, conversation and upbeat fun at the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St., from 6-9 p.m. during this year’s special Senior Night Out event.

Sunday, March 1
“Praise Dance & Song Jubilee” Enjoy music, dance and fellowship at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 2283 N. Fair Oaks Ave., 3 p.m., Sunday, March 1.

Sunday, March 15
“Women’s Tea Time” Celebrate women’s contributions to black history over tea, music and light refreshments starting at 3 p.m. at the Jackie Robinson Community Center, 1020 N. Fair Oaks Ave.

Stay connected to the City of Pasadena! Visit us online at www.cityofpasadena.net; follow the city on Twitter @PasadenaGov, www.twitter.com/pasadenagov, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofpasadena. Or call the Citizen Service Center, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at (626) 744-7311.