Discussion of Current Events at the End of 2022

There was no formal agenda for the meeting and the group discussed a number of issues currently in the news related to racial history and current news issues nationwide.  The following issues were discussed:

 

1.   The December 8th Pasadena City Council Meeting authorizing the removal of the portrait of former Mayor A.I. Stewart.  Stewart served as Mayor from 1941 to 1943.  He was one of the founders of the Pasadena Improvement Association which developed the Whites Only Covenants and redlining.  Additionally, the Council recommended removing a plaque celebrating Herbert Hahn who, in addition to founding the law firm Hahn and Hahn, founded the Pasadena Improvement Association.

The participants did not see how these actions benefitted the historical understanding of the Association and the long term harmful outcomes it created over time.

A comparison of these actions and the statues and historical narratives sponsored by the Daughters of the Confederacy were discussed.

 

2.   The group next discussed "parents rights" initiatives in some states and the impact on teaching standards and the composition of school boards.

 

3.   The work of the Federalist Society in terms of judicial nominations was discussed briefly.

 

4.   This led to a discussion of beginning at the local level to make change.  Encouraging involvement in local politics was noted.

 

5.   The current issues with immigration were noted.

 

6.   Finally a brief discussion of the release of Brittany Griner in relation to the varied views in the news occurred.

 

Our next meeting will be held on January 6, first Friday of the year at 10am.

 

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to us all!