The City of Pasadena will commemorate Black History Month by recognizing the achievements and contributions of African Americans and their central role in our nation’s history. Pasadena Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department, Pasadena Public Library, Pasadena Black History Committee, and The Friends of the Pasadena Public Library are offering a month-long series of in-person and virtual programs, events, and activities for all ages in the month of February. All programs and events are free.
Black History Breakfast hosted by NOBLE, Black Fire Fighters Association, and Pasadena Black Municipal Employees Association
Thursday, Feb 2 · 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. · Pasadena Senior Center 85 E. Holly St.
All are welcome to join the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), the Black Fire Fighters Association and the Pasadena Black Municipal Employees Association (PBMEA) as they kick off Black History Month by recognizing the accomplishments of African Americans, both locally and nationally, who continue to shape our society for generations of the future. This event will feature pancakes made by Pasadena Firefighters Association, entertainment, raffles, and will include keynote speaker Phyllis E. Currie, Former General Manager at Pasadena Water and Power. Pre-registration is required, please email noblesgvscholars@gmail.com.
41st Annual Black History Parade and Festival - Celebrating Our Excellence "The Legacy of Councilmember John J. Kennedy"
Saturday, Feb. 18 • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. • Robinson Park, 1081 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
Southern California’s largest and longest-running Black History Parade begins at Fair Oaks Ave. and Mountain View St. and ends at Robinson Park. Enjoy the pomp and circumstance of bands, drill and drum teams, community organizations, dignitaries, celebrity Grand Marshal and award-winning sportscaster Jim Hill, and many other parade performers. The festival features live bands, dance performances, community booths, guest speakers, food for purchase, and tons of fun!
Black History Movie Night - CANCELLED DUE TO HEAVY RAIN
Friday, Feb. 24 • 5 p.m. • City Hall, 100 N. Garfield Ave.
Free family-friendly movie showing in celebration of Black History Month. Bring your lawn chair or picnic blanket to sit back and watch Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever. Live music begins at 5 p.m. and food will be available for purchase. The movie begins at dusk at Centennial Square in front of City Hall. Pre-registration is recommended at www.cityofpasadena.net/reserve.
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.
People, Places, and Events Shaped by African-Americans
Feb. 1 – 28
Take a virtual and in-person tour with local community members as they provide information on landmarks, educational institutions, sports, businesses, and other areas of interest impacted by Black Pasadenans.
- View a virtual tour video of the Pasadena People, Places, and Events Shaped by African Americans
- View a walking tour of the African American History in Pasadena created by NAACP Pasadena
- NAACP Black History Walk - Sunday, Feb. 26, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Alkebu-lan Cultural Center
Alkebu-lan Cultural Center Black History Celebrations
Feb. 5 – 26 • Alkebu-lan Cultural Center, 1425 N. Raymond Ave.
Join the Alkebu-Ian Cultural Center as they celebrate African American History Month. The programming for the month includes featured artist Kenneth Gatewood, a genealogy workshop, Capoeira lecture, book talks, Pfamily Steppers senior dance performance, the first annual Black Arts Festival, and more! Please contact the Alkebu-lan Cultural Center at (626) 807-4006 for more information on specific activities, dates, and times.
Pasadena Public Library is also celebrating the Black History Month with a wide variety of free programs and activities for all ages that honor the cultures and contributions of African Americans. For details on these events, view the City of Pasadena Black History Month Celebrations brochure. For accessibility information or to request accommodation, please contact (626) 744-7311 or email CSC@cityofpasadena.net.