The City of Pasadena announced a comprehensive Black History Month initiative for February 2025, celebrating African Americans’ central role and achievements in local and national history while simultaneously addressing community needs following the Eaton Fire.
The month-long celebration will feature free programming across multiple city departments, combining cultural recognition with practical support for affected residents.
One notable change this year: there will be no Black History Parade, the month’s centerpiece in normal years. The Eaton Fire’s devastating impact on city life led to a decision to cancel the Parade, but the traditional post-Parade Festival will be presented.
The coordinated effort spans seven city departments: the Pasadena Public Library, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, Public Health, Transit, Public Affairs, and Economic Development. Two community organizations — Friends of the Pasadena Public Library and the Pasadena Black History Committee — are partnering to deliver the programming.
“The City remains committed to supporting residents affected by the fire, and we encourage the community to come together in solidarity during this time,” the announcement stated.
The initiative emphasizes accessibility through predominantly free programming, though some events may carry fees. Throughout February, select events will serve dual purposes, offering both cultural programming and access to Eaton Fire recovery resources and support services for impacted residents.
The collaboration demonstrates Pasadena’s integrated approach to community support, weaving together cultural celebration with practical assistance for residents navigating fire recovery. Information about recovery resources and support services will be available at designated events throughout the month.
Programs
For all ages unless specified.
Eat the Culture: African Foodways & Traditions
Saturday, Feb. 1 • 10 a.m.• Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
African cooking techniques, traditions and flavors have traveled all over the world. This culinary diaspora was shaped initially by the brutalities of the transatlantic slave trade, which forced African people separated from their homelands to retain and reinvent traditional dishes, find and experiment with substitute ingredients, and pass down to their children the cultural significance of particular foods to nourish the soul as well as the body. In this workshop, Chef Denà Brummer will share the delights, comforts, revelations and recipes of Black foodways. To attend, sign up at CityOfPasadena.net/Library/
Reggie Laurent Collage Class
Tuesday, Feb. 11 • 4 p.m. • Villa Parke Branch Library, 363 E. Villa St., 2nd Floor
Learn about African-American artist Reggie Laurent then create a colorful masterpiece in his style. To attend, sign up at CityOfPasadena.net/Library/
Celebration Stories
Wednesday, Feb. 26 • 10:30 a.m. • Santa Catalina Branch Library. 999 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
Join us for a special storytime in celebration of Black History Month featuring children’s picture books written by Black authors. Stay afterward to make a craft to take home.
Black Infant Health
Year-round • Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. • 1845 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
The Pasadena Black Infant Health (BIH) program offers a culturally-supportive environment that honors the unique history and lived experiences of Black women, while providing assistance for raising healthy babies. BIH implements an evidence-informed intervention that uses a group-based approach, where participants meet, interact, and build a sisterhood with other Black women. Group sessions are complemented with client-centered life planning, goal setting, and referrals to services for participants and their families. This powerful combination serves to help parents enhance life skills, learn proven strategies to reduce stress, and build social support. BIH is now enrolling pregnant and postpartum mothers with infants up to 6 months old. BIH currently services the Greater Pasadena area and has expanded enrollment services to Pomona, Claremont, and other cities in the San Gabriel Valley area. To enroll, fill out an eligibility/interest form on the BIH program website by visiting CityOfPasadena.net/BIHForm. For eligibility inquiries, call (626) 744-6155.
Black-owned Businesses Spotlight Series
Month-long series • Social Media
The City’s Public Affairs and Economic Development Divisions under the City Manager’s Office are set to spotlight Black-owned businesses in Pasadena. Follow along as we highlight local gems on social media including Facebook and Instagram @CityOfPasadena, and Twitter (X) @PasadenaGov.
Support Black-Owned Businesses in Pasadena and Altadena
Feb. 1 – 28
During February and all year long, please support local Black-owned businesses. View a list of businesses in the Pasadena and Altadena area with African American owners created in collaboration with Hood Liberation. If you wish to add your business to the list, please fill out the online form.
Events
For all ages unless specified.
Andrea J. Loney, Children’s Book Author
Tuesday, Feb. 4 • 1 p.m. • La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave.
Kids are invited to meet Andrea J. Loney, author of the Caldecott Honor winning picture book Double Bass Blues, and other award-winning titles. Loney has worked for the film, television, and gaming industries, mostly at The Walt Disney Company, and now teaches writing and computer science. Loney has traveled throughout the country presenting at schools and libraries. This event is sponsored by Chandler School. To attend, sign up at https://www.CityOfPasadena.
Transit Equity Day
Tuesday, Feb. 4
Pasadena Transit and Dial-A-Ride is offering free rides system wide on Tuesday, February 4, in honor of Transit Equity Day, celebrated in honor of Rosa Park’s birthday. Transit Equity Day is a national day of action to commemorate the birthday of Rosa Parks by declaring that public transit is a civil right. Ms. Parks, an iconic civil rights leader, refused to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama in protest and to demand an end to segregation on transit systems.
Derrick Barnes, Children’s Book Author
Monday, Feb. 10 • 4 p.m. • La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave.
Kids, teens and caregivers are invited to meet author Derrick Barnes, winner of numerous awards including the Kirkus Prize and finalist for the National Book Award. He has inspired audiences of young people all over the nation and world. This event is sponsored by Chandler School. To attend, sign up at CityOfPasadena.net/Library/
Pasadena Rose Poets Celebrate Black History Month
Monday, Feb. 10 • 5 p.m. • Zoom
Pasadena Rose Poets share their poems and those of iconic poets, creating an array of experiences woven together into a whole cloth that stands the test of time. Join us — let’s journey together! To attend, sign up at CityOfPasadena.net/Library/
Discover Black History in Pasadena
Tuesday, Feb. 11 • 4:30 p.m. • La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave.
Spend an afternoon with Okeyo A. Jumal, historian, educator and author of the historical novel Spiritual Shackles, set in Pasadena in the mid-20th-Century. Jumal will discuss his book and present a video about the history of Pasadena’s Black community. “Spiritual Shackles is an episodic story about love gained and lost. About history and history denied. About social complacency and social revolution. About blind faith and faith challenged. Shackles combines these ingredients into a suspenseful ‘gumbo’ that will shake the ground beneath your feet.” For ages 18+.
Black History Festival
Saturday, February 15 • 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. • Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
The Black History Parade & Festival Planning Committee and the City of Pasadena have canceled the parade portion of the event due to the devastating impact from the Eaton Fire on our community. This year’s Black History Festival will focus on recovery within the community amidst the ongoing tragedy caused by the Eaton Fire. “Bringing together various resources to support our community in this unprecedented time of need, as well as providing a bit of joy is what the committee hopes to provide,” said Pixie Boyden, Co-chair of the Black History Parade & Festival Planning Committee. “The Altadena/Pasadena community is stronger than the current circumstances it finds itself and while it will take time to heal from this unbelievable tragedy, the Black History Planning Committee hopes to support its progress towards healing.”
Performers previously registered in the parade will have the opportunity to perform at Robinson Park between 10 – 11:30 a.m., with festival activities to follow until 3 p.m. All festival activities will be free and include entertainment, family-friendly activities, and community resources. The Committee is seeking vendors that offer public assistance or other services free of charge to support the community needs. Vendor applications are encouraged to apply via the CivicRec system available at CityOfPasadena.net/Reserve under the “Special Events” tab.
Celebrating Black Poets of La Pintoresca
Tuesday, Feb. 18 • 4:30 p.m. • La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave.
Enjoy a poetry reading and discover Black poets from the Pasadena community! Featured poets will include Lorinda Hawkins Smith, author, filmmaker, playwright, actor, comedian and musician; Beverly Lafontaine, poet and playwright; Josh Evans, poet, storyteller, voice actor, educator and podcaster; Aldonia R. Bailey, artist, educator and poet; and Spencer Burke, writer and full-time nursing student. For ages 18+.
Family Blues Music Afternoon
Saturday, Feb. 22 • 3 p.m. • Linda Vista Branch Library, 1281 Bryant St.
Get ready for an unforgettable musical experience to celebrate Black History Month! Join us for an hour of soulful blues music that will lift your spirits and get your toes tapping. We’re excited to present Brother Yusef, a master solo guitarist, who will take us on a musical journey through the heart of the blues. This is a family-friendly event, perfect for all ages to enjoy. We look forward to seeing you there!
Crafts
Enjoy fun, free take-and-make crafts that are simple and easy to make! Sign-ups begin at the start of the day unless a specific time is provided. Kits are limited to one per participant. For multiple participants, please fill out multiple forms. Kits not picked up by a certain date will be released to those on the waiting list. For all ages unless specified.
Take & Make: Djembe African Drum
Saturday, Feb. 1 • While supplies last • Hastings Branch Library, 3325 E. Orange Grove Blvd.
The djembe drum is said to have been invented in the 12th Century by the Mandinke tribe in what is now Mali, in West Africa. Traditionally, the djembe was used as a form of communication between tribes as it could resonate across long distances. Reserve a kit at CityOfPasadena.libwizard.com/
Exhibits
100th Anniversary of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters
Monday – Saturday, Feb. 1 – 28, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. • La Pintoresca Branch Library, 1355 N. Raymond Ave.
This year celebrates the centennial of A. Phillip Randolph’s founding of the first Black labor union: the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. With the theme of “Labor,” the exhibit showcases the important role of sleeping car porters and Blacks in railroad history. Presented in partnership with La Pintoresca Library Associates.
For more information, call the City Service Center Monday through Friday during business hours at (626) 744-7311.
