Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Group of Community Organizations to Host “The State of Black Dena” Event in Altadena on Friday

A coalition of local organizations and community partners will host “The State of Black Dena,” a community gathering focused on Black life in Pasadena and Altadena, on Friday, Nov. 21, from 6 to 10 p.m. at 540 W. Woodbury Road in Altadena.

The event will convene residents, stakeholders and civic leaders for strategic dialogue, cultural celebration and collective visioning. Designed as a space to honor the past, confront the present and co-create the future, organizers say the evening is rooted in equity, resilience and collective well-being.

Programming will center on three themes:

• “Strategy for Our Future Community” — Exploring long-term goals, opportunities and initiatives that uplift and empower the Black community.
• “Honesty About Our Present Recovery” — Addressing current challenges, including economic recovery, community health and social equity with transparency and intention.
• “Celebration of Our Past Legacy” — Honoring the rich history, contributions and cultural roots that have shaped Black life in Pasadena and Altadena.

“This gathering is about collective power,” organizers said in a statement. “To build the future we envision, we must celebrate our legacy, understand our present, and boldly plan for what comes next.”

Participating organizations include the NAACP Pasadena Branch, Women of Vital Voices, Project Pasadena, the Black Freedom Fund, Pasadena CLSC, Altadena Rising, Greenline Housing Foundation, Pasadena Black Pages, the Pasadena & Altadena Ivy Foundation, UJIMA and other community partners.

These organizations collectively work to advance racial equity, empower Black communities and strengthen Pasadena and Altadena through advocacy, education, housing, economic opportunity and cultural visibility, with a shared commitment to justice, resilience and collective well-being.

RSVP is available at www.bit.ly/blackdena.