Pasadena

Person of Note | The Mack Robinson Legacy: Defying the Odds in Life and at the Olympics

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In 1936 at the Olympic Games, the odds were heavily stacked against Black athletes. Many were questioned about why they would agree to compete in a country that was racist toward them while representing another racist country. Yet, those 18 Black athletes knew that they would defy the status quo. By participating in these Olympic Games, they personified the idea of “taking up space,” and understood the lasting impact their presence would have for generations to come.

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Film Festivals | Black August Film Festival Sophomore Year Opens in Pasadena, CA

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The festival brings focus to justice movements that are current as well as from throughout history, movements from around the world and nationally, as well highlights media that has been produced locally that activity champions reform for the local Pasadena Police Department and also offers support to budding film-makers here in Pasadena, with the Pasadena African-American Film Foundation. 

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People of Note: Andre Henry – Musician, Author, Activist

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While the events discussed in “All the White Friends I Couldn’t Keep” were playing out, Henry wrote his popular song “Playing Hookey” about his frustrations with White Evangelism. As he’s grown as a community activist — helping lead marches in Pasadena and even carrying a boulder around to represent the burden that Black people face in society — he’s processed through his own beliefs about Christianity and the person of Jesus.

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People assemble along the side of the road which is covered in candles. An orange table on the sidewalk provides a congregating point for participants.

A Memorial for Pasadena’s Reginald (JR) Thomas

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There have been two street-side memorials in Pasadena recently held for young Black fathers killed by the Pasadena Police. One was on August 15th and the other was on September 30th. The first was held in Northwest Pasadena across from La Pintoresca Park just up from Washington Blvd. and the second was held on East Orange Grove Blvd. in-between the intersections of North Marengo Ave. and Garfield Ave.

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