This week we have a special guest visiting our discussion group. Alma Stokes will be our featured guest. Alma is a well known local activist having been involved in many of our Pasadena schools for many years. She is well known to many of our Villagers, many of whose children attended her classes. Alma will share her experiences with us and give us her views on where we are today. We  look forward to a very interesting, engaging, and stimulating visit with her.

Alma Stokes is a prominent figure in race relations from Pasadena, California. Known for her tireless advocacy and community work, she has dedicated much of her life to improving racial harmony and equality in her city. Born and raised in Pasadena, Alma witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by communities of color, which fueled her passion for social justice. She became actively involved in various civil rights organizations. Alma Stokes has been recognized for her extensive contributions to education and community service in Pasadena.

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.

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.