Pasadena Black History Parade Highlights
Mrs. Juanita DeVaughn, a former Black History Parade Grand Marshall representing the Altadena Branch NAACP
PASADENA, Calif.— Celebrate black history, culture and achievements at Pasadena’s 38th annual Black History Parade and Festival on Saturday, Feb. 15. This year’s theme was “For the Culture–Celebrating Our Excellence.” The parade featured over 80 entries, including the Wilson Middle School Drum Corps as the opening performance; Miss Black Pasadena; the Tournament of Roses 2020 Royal Court; Pasadena City College Band; Blair, John Muir and Pasadena High School marching bands; musicians; dancers; equestrians; local youth groups; dignitaries; community leaders; and vintage and custom cars. This black history parade was one of the largest and longest-running in California.
The celebrity grand marshals were actress and singer Margaret Avery and actress and philanthropist Wendy Raquel Robinson. Avery is best known for her role as Shug Avery in The Color Purple, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. Robinson is a Best Actress NAACP Image Award recipient and the executive director of Amazing Grace Conservatory. The community grand marshal, Edna Bluain, is a dedicated volunteer with the Black History Parade and Festival Planning Committee for over 20 years. Youth grand marshals were Alaysia Barker, a student at Loyola Marymount University and Elijah Gates, a sophomore defense back on UCLA’s football team and product of the Mckenzie-Scott Boys and Girls Club and Pasadena Panther youth football program. The festival features live entertainment for all ages, food for purchase, an exciting meetand-greet with Miss Black Pasadena, the Power 106 Street Team, informational booths, and a children’s zone jam-packed with fun, free activities. The 2020 parade and festival are sponsored by Pasadena Tournament of Roses, Pasadena Management Association, Pasadena Black Employees Association, Cricket Wireless, Wells Fargo, Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Merrill Lynch, State Farm and the Pasadena Public Health Department. Media sponsors include the Pasadena Journal, Pasadena Black Pages and Pasadena Media. Black history events are organized by the Department of Human Services and Recreation and the volunteer Black History Parade and Festival Planning Committee, with the support of the Pasadena Recreation and Parks Foundation. Stay connected to the City of Pasadena! Visit us online at www.cityofpasadena.net; follow us on Twitter at @PasadenaGov, and Instagram and Facebook at @CityOfPasadena; or call the Citizen Service Center, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at (626) 744-7311. |
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