Pasadena Village’s “1619, The Lingering Imprint” group was inspired by the New York Times’ magazine issue, “1619 Project”, dated August 2019. This is a safe place to talk about the history of racism in America, to understand its origins and its residual impact. The group explores the ideas presented in the 1619 Project but does not follow its teaching curriculum.

LARRY DUPLECHAN is a singer, ukulele strummer, knitter, and yogi. He is also the author of six books, including the novels Blackbird (1986, St. Martin’s Press), the basis for Patrik-Ian Polk’s 2014 film; the Lambda Literary Award-winning Got ‘til it’s Gone (2008, Arsenal Pulp Press);and the movie memoir, Movies That Made Me Gay (2023, Team Angelica).

On February 2, 2024, Larry Duplechan (he/him/his) will use readings from the Black History Month section of Movies That Made Me Gay as a launching pad for discussions concerning racist practices in the casting, shooting and marketing of movies – especially musicals – in the 1930s and 40s; including working definitions of “blackface”, “minstrelsy”, and “Tomming”, and how those concepts permeated the Hollywood movie musical. He expects these discussions to segue into the subject of the continued use racist tropes in current show business (particularly, if not exclusively in the world of hip-hop).

Movies That Made Me Gay is avaible at Vromans: https://www.vromansbookstore.com/pasadena-village

This is a discussion group not intended as a teaching class. We often suggest articles that have been recommended to us only to initiate discussion, but homework is never required to participate in the discussion. We also have frequent speakers  in the group and these sessions are recorded and published on our Pasadena Village Youtube channel where they are available for people who are unable to join the group.  Everybody can engage in discussions by sharing what they learn from the news as well as what they have experienced in their lives. 

All are invited to join us to share your views, and to learn how members of the community experience racism in their own lives. Members from other villages and guests are always welcome!

Meetings are held twice a month, on the first and third Fridays. The first Friday meets at 10:00 - 11:30 AM Pacific and the third Friday at Noon - 1:30pm Pacific; all meetings are on zoom. Discussions from previous meetings can be found in the 1619, The Lingering Imprint blog to read the postings and to learn more about this group.

For information or to join an upcoming discussion, contact the Village Office at [email protected] or 626-765-6037.