Positive and Provocative Messages for Black Community Emerge at Saturday’s “Speak Out Pasadena”

“There are so many powerful messages in our community online and in social media, but its time to take it offline, and bring it into real time.”

Such was the message of facilitator and activist James Farr, who, along with NAACP Pasadena Chapter President Gary Moody, helped facilitate Saturday’s ‘Speak Out Pasadena,’ an afternoon community dialogue among African-American residents in Northwest Pasadena and Altadena.

“We’re telling stories here,” Farr continued as he introduced the discussion, “Not just negative opinions. You bring your voice and your solutions.”

The open dialogue meeting brought nearly 50 residents to Perry’s Joint for a discussion that centered around economic issues as well as political and neighborhood issues.

Offering starting points for discussion, Farr and Moody both offered a theme of inclusion in the local Black community. According to both moderators, the problems, as well as the answers, lie within the Black communities themselves.

“What’s the answer to our economic problems?” Farr asked, setting the tone for the meeting. “Are boycotts the solution? Maybe the solution is ‘banking black,’ and group economics, and creating our own educational opportunities. We need to start something kinetic. We need to look to Black insurance companies and Black banking and Black realtors. We need to actually connect.”

“This discussion is about economics, but it’s about collaboration as well as education,” echoed NAACP Gary Moody, citing as an example the rapid growth of tech companies in and around Old Pasadena, as well as the opening of six new hotels in the city.

“We have been in silos,” said Moody. “The Black middle class in Pasadena is going to private schools, not public schools. We have no mentors.”

“That high tech? Those hotels? We’re not in that,” Moody continued, pointing out the lack of Black involvement in the City’s leading edge economies. “Why are we not involved in the new 3-D industry right here in Pasadena?” he asked, rhetorically.

“The Black middle class is underground,” Moody continued. “Why are we not joining local PTAs?”

“It’s not about Trump and Hillary for us, it’s about Downtown Pasadena,” said Moody.

Farr, who pointed out a recent $5,000 gift by Perry’s Joint to a local educational fund, added, “Maybe if all of us actually came here to Perry’s once or twice a week, then they could continue to do the good work they do in the community,” Farr added.

Daniel Hampton, co-owner of Hampton Floor Coverings, a 38 year-old Pasadena business, said, “We need to support our own.”

Wife Michelle Hampton agreed, but pointed out the unique difficulties in owning and operating Black businesses.

‘Sometimes,” said Hampton, “Black Businesses don’t want to be labeled, ‘Black Businesses.’ They want to be open to everyone.”

On the other side of that discussion, Pasadena pastor Lucius Smith offered the most provocative quote of the afternoon, saying, “A respected friend once told me, ‘The worst thing that ever happened to Black Americans was integration.’”

Smith explained: “When we were on our own, we had to patronize Black businesses, because that was all we had. But when things opened up,” he said, “Blacks deserted Black businesses.”

Paco Swartz, local founder of the community organization, “Save Black Boys,” noted candidly, “We need to stop with the ‘Hook up’ mentality. We can’t be going into our own businesses, and asking for the ‘Hook up.’ We need to pay the same price as at any other business.”

Local activist and former Altadena City Councilmember Steve Lamb recommended solutions, both economic and political.

“Buy bonds,” he said, “Buy bonds so that the city becomes indebted to you. And run for City Council.” he told the group. Farr agreed, saying, “Buying bonds gives us leverage.”

Michelle Hampton also pointed out that a new Black-owned credit union was opening in nearby Altadena and encouraged the meeting members to join, and invest.

“This is not a pity party,” Farr told the group. “This is about solutions.”