Councilmembers Hampton, Kennedy Share Messages Before Black History Parade

On the eve of the city’s Black History Parade and Festival, Pasadena’s African American City Councilmen encouraged those facing discrimination to keep fighting.

Pasadena Now asked Tyron Hampton and John Kennedy to provide messages to local African American residents on Friday.

“This is a defining time for Black America to combine with Brown America to demonstrate to all America the power and strength of those who have struggled to live in the full measure of our democracy, building a ‘more perfect union,’ Kennedy said. “When folks of good will, irrespective of socioeconomic background, race, color, unite to right the wrongs of the past, we create a better Pasadena, a better state and¿a better country. This is best accomplished by exercising the franchise, one vote at a time with a collective voice and impact for, ‘justice.’  All we have is, ‘just us.’

Hampton remembered the sacrifices of those who fought for equality.

“Black History Month is a time to recognize and acknowledge the accomplishments of history makers who are descendants of American Slaves,” Hampton said. “These people make it possible for all Americans to have opportunities to achieve goals and dreams. The annual Pasadena Black History Parade and Festival serves as both a time to celebrate and also as a reminder that many of these accomplishments came at a great cost, including the sacrifice and loss of Black lives. We must remember and honor those who came before us, and we must not be satisfied with complacency or mediocrity. Today, there are people who are still experiencing discrimination. Lives are still being lost through injustices on many fronts. The fight continues. Let us remember to encourage one another to keep working to accomplish greatness, liberty, and justice for all, in all that we do.”

The 38^th annual Black History Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. This year’s theme is “For the Culture–Celebrating Our Excellence.”

The parade begins at Fair Oaks Avenue and Figueroa Street in Altadena, then heads south on Fair Oaks Avenue before ending at Pasadena’s Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave., where the festival takes place from noon to 4 p.m. on the north side of the park.

The parade will feature 80 entries, including the Wilson Middle School Drum Corp, the Tournament of Roses 2020 Royal Court, the Pasadena City College Band, the John Muir, Blair and Pasadena high school marching bands, musicians; dancers; equestrians; local youth groups; dignitaries; community leaders; and vintage and custom cars. This black history parade is one of the largest and longest-running in California.

This year’s celebrity grand marshals are actors Margaret Avery and and Wendy Raquel Robinson.

The festival will feature live entertainment, the Power 106 Street Team, booths, and a fun packed children’s zone. The popular Historically Black College and University (HBCU) college fair is also returning this year.

The parade will be recorded in its entirety by Pasadena Media. Visit Pasadenamedia.tv for broadcast times.