Stories
Our Story, Told by Us: Share Your Family’s Story with the Black Legacy Project
By Community Women Vital Voices
The Black Legacy Project Pasadena families are helping to build has one goal: to make sure our history is told by us. The Black Legacy: Voice Echoes Our Truth Project is a multi-year effort by Community Women Vital Voices to record, archive and elevate the lived experiences of Black families in Pasadena and Altadena.
Why this project matters
For generations, Black families have shaped the cultural, social, spiritual, economic and political fabric of Pasadena and Altadena. Yet no comprehensive academic book written by Black voices has ever fully documented those contributions, struggles, resilience, leadership and triumphs in this region. This project sets out to be the first of its kind.
If we do not tell our own story, someone else will — and too often, they already have.
The Black Legacy: Voice Echoes Our Truth Project
Rooted in a family legacy
The project has been years in the making. It began with Lena Louise Kennedy, President and CEO of CWVV, alongside her late brother, Councilmember John J. Kennedy. His commitment to preserving Black history and dignity in Pasadena continues to inspire the work. Read more in Our Story.
How to share your story
- Open the Write Your Story form. You’ll also find a “Write Your Story” button at the top of every page on our site.
- Tell us about your family’s life, work, faith and community in Pasadena or Altadena.
- Submit the form. Your story becomes part of a growing record of Black life in our community.
Learn more about the Black Legacy Project and our other community programs.
Explore the history already collected
Our online library includes books on local Black history and community life:
Frequently asked questions
It is a multi-year historical preservation initiative by Community Women Vital Voices that documents the lived experiences of Black families in Pasadena and Altadena, in their own words.
Fill out the Write Your Story form linked in this post, or click Write Your Story at the top of any page on our website.
Community Women Vital Voices leads it. The work began with CWVV President and CEO Lena Louise Kennedy and her late brother, Councilmember John J. Kennedy.
Your family’s story belongs in this history. Write your story today, and invite a parent, grandparent or neighbor to do the same.
Our Community Needs You. Stand With Us Today!
Your support helps us serve seniors, feed families, preserve Black legacy, and advocate for those who need it most. Every action, big or small, makes a difference.
