Pasadena Black History Month Magazine - February 2023 | Pages 21 & 22
BRIDGING THE GAPS OF BLACK PASADENA
written by BRANDON LAMAR
Pasadena has a rich and diverse history, and African Americans have played an important role in shaping the city.
There are so many notable Black figures in Pasadena's history that we continue to stand on their shoulders to make this an equitable and inclusive place to live.
Even though Pasadena is a great diverse place to live, we can't forget the pain of our past that allows us to see the victories of the present.
Redlining was one of the pains that Black Pasadena had to endure. Redlining refers to the discriminatory practice of denying or limiting financial services, such as mortgages or insurance, to certain neighborhoods based on the racial makeup of the area.
Historically, redlining was used to discriminate against Black and other minority communities, making it difficult for residents of those neighborhoods to buy homes or access other financial services.