The City of Pasadena and the Black History Planning Committee are delighted to inform the public that the 41st Black History Parade and Festival will take place on Saturday, Feb. 18th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s theme, “Celebrating our Excellence—The Legacy of Councilmember John J. Kennedy,” will be showcased through more than 80 parade entries. The parade will start at the intersection of Fair Oaks Avenue and Mountain View Street, and conclude at Robinson Park, where the festival will continue from noon until 4 p.m. The Black History Parade in Pasadena is one of the most significant and longest-running events of its kind in Southern California.
The family-friendly festival will feature live performances by R&B artist MAJOR. and the band Luv from Abuv, food for purchase, informational booths, a children’s zone, and a Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) fair. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to navigate street closures, find parking, and claim their favorite viewing spot along the parade route. Free parking is provided on a first-come, first-served basis at Calvary Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 135 Glorieta St.
The following streets will be closed for the parade and festival during the times listed. Motorists are advised to use caution while driving through the area.
• Hammond Street between Fair Oaks Avenue and Morton Avenue, 7 a.m.- 6 p.m.
• Morton Avenue between Mountain Street and Hammond Street, 7 a.m.- 6 p.m.
• Fair Oaks Avenue between Woodbury Road and Harriet Street, 7 a.m.- noon
• Fair Oaks Avenue between Mountain Street and Woodbury Road, 9 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
• Mountain Street between Raymond Avenue and Sunset Street, 9 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.
The parade will be recorded in its entirety by Pasadena Media and will air live on KPAS, Pasadena’s government TV station, and Arroyo, the city’s community access channel. Visit PasadenaMedia.org for broadcast times.
This year’s Black History Parade and Festival sponsors include The Bakewell Company, NAACP Pasadena Branch, Huntington Hospital, Pasadena Tournament of Roses, Pasadena Recreation and Parks Foundation, Pasadena Management Association, Pasadena Black Municipal Employees Association, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Titan Disposal Co., 110 to the End Motorcycle Club, Way of Life Car Club and City Roses Car Club. Media sponsors include the Pasadena Media, Los Angeles Sentinel and Pasadena Black Pages.
For more information about the parade, festival, and other activities, including parade entry applications, contact the Jackie Robinson Community Center at (626) 744-7300.
