Altadena Baptist Church’s 40th Annual Black History Event Marks Return to In-Person Celebrating

Altadena Baptist Church is hosting its 40th Annual Black History Celebration on Sunday, Feb. 18, the first time the church is returning to in-person gatherings after a hiatus of four years.

For four decades, the church has been at the forefront of commemorating Black history in Altadena. This year, Charmaine Jefferson, a prominent figure in the realms of arts, culture, and education, will be the keynote speaker at the event that begins at 5 p.m.

Currently serving as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the California Institute of the Arts, Jefferson has a diverse academic background including degrees from prestigious institutions such as UCLA, NYU, and Georgetown University Law Center.

She left an indelible mark as the former Executive Director of the Dance Theatre of Harlem and the California African American Museum.

Jefferson’s family is related to John Morton Riddle, a notable figure in African American history, who’s a relative of Carter G. Woodson, the founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.

Jefferson’s talk will explore these familial connections and align with the 2024 Black History theme, “Blacks in the Arts,” as designated by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History.

In addition to the keynote address, the celebration will feature an exhibition of local school student artwork curated by visual artist and retired educator LaMonte Westmoreland, further emphasizing the theme of celebrating Black contributions to the arts.

Following the celebration, attendees will gather for a communal meal in Barinaga Hall free of charge.

For further inquiries, contact Felita Kealing, member of the Black History Committee, at (626) 797-8970 or via email at altabap@aol.com.

Altadena Baptist Church is at 791 East Calaveras Street in Altadena.