SERVICES
Our services are designed to empower, educate, and support women and girls through meaningful programs and community-driven initiatives. Each offering focuses on creating connection, building confidence, and promoting positive growth for individuals and the wider community.
SENIOR SUMMITS & EATON FIRE RECOVERY
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2000 Seniors attended 3 Eaton Fire Senior Summits
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Legacy of Black Heritage of Altadena and Pasadena Exhibit
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1800 Families served Thanksgiving Meals
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Over 500 Eaton Fire Resource Guides distributed to seniors
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Eaton Fire Senior Summits
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Black Fire Impact Book - Downloadable PDF
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Edison Public Forum
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Senior Summit Committee
DENA BLACK HERITAGE
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City Lab
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Altadena Interviews
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The Black Clergy Coalition & The Black Leadership Coalition: The Black Clergy of Altadena and Pasadena is a group of dedicated pastors who provide support to their communities through the sponsorship and organizing of community events. These coalition aim to bring necessary education and resources to Eaton fire victims, as well as the broader community by supporting event’s such as Eaton Fire Senior Summits, the Annual John J. Kennedy Turkey Harvest Market, and the recent Pasadena Town Hall on Eaton Fire Compensation with Southern California Edison. The work that both the Black Clergy and Black Leadership coalition always support
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State of Black Community
THE BLACK LEGACY VOICE ECHOES OUR TRUTH
The Black Legacy Voice Echoes Our Truth Project is a transformative, multi-year historical preservation and documentation initiative designed to record, archive, and elevate the lived experiences of Black families in Pasadena and Altadena — and to illuminate their profound contributions to the growth, success, and character of our local communities and our nation. This work is told from our lens, in our voices, and through our perspective. For generations, Black families have shaped the cultural, social, spiritual, economic, and political fabric of Pasadena and Altadena. Yet no comprehensive academic book has ever been produced — authored by the Black voice — that fully documents the depth of our contributions, struggles, resilience, leadership, and triumphs in this region. This project will be the first of its kind. If we do not tell our own story, someone else will — and too often, they already have.
Led by Community Women Vital Voices, under the leadership of Lena Louise Kennedy, this initiative has been years in the making. It began alongside her late brother, Councilmember John J. Kennedy, whose commitment to preserving Black history and dignity in Pasadena continues to inspire this work.
A Project Made Urgent by the 2025 Eaton Fire
The devastating 2025 Eaton Fire changed everything.
With homes destroyed, historic neighborhoods disrupted, and irreplaceable artifacts lost, the urgency to preserve our community’s history became undeniable. Much of what was lost cannot be replaced — family photos, church records, letters, business documents, community memorabilia, and tangible markers of legacy.
The fire served as a painful reminder:
If we do not intentionally archive our history, it can disappear.
Altadena and Pasadena have long been home to vibrant, resilient Black communities whose stories deserve permanent placement in the historical record. The Black Legacy Project ensures that our lived experiences, memories, and generational knowledge are documented, protected, and accessible for future generations.
A Community-Centered Approach
In 2025, Community Women Vital Voices began revealing a “pixel” of this larger vision through a collaborative art exhibition with UCLA CityLab that was created and displayed through two Senior Summit events. The exhibit entitled “We Were Here: Honoring the Living Legacy of Black Altadena and Pasadena” was designed not as the final product, but as an invitation — a call to community participation. Recognizing that our seniors carry irreplaceable historical knowledge, we intentionally centered their voices.
Women in Leadership, Vital Voices
We amplify members’ influence through trusted connections and mutual support, and we disseminate information on key public policy initiatives and how legislators vote on issues that matter most to us. Women in Leadership Vital Voices (WLVV) educates powerful women on how to amplify their voices through targeted services and new networking avenues.
-Socal Conference
-Candidate Forum
NUTRITIONAL PROGRAMS
In collaboration with our partner organizations, we provide knowledgeable speakers who engage the community in conversations about healthy eating and proper nutrition for families and children. These educational sessions are designed to be accessible, culturally relevant, and practical, helping families make informed food choices that support long-term health and wellness. We also work closely with our community’s African American Cultural Center to promote food access and nutrition equity by distributing fresh fruits and vegetables to local families. Through this partnership, we aim to reduce food insecurity, promote healthy lifestyles, and strengthen the community's overall well-being.
MAN CAVE
The Man Cave is an event held in conjunction with the Southern California Women’s Conference and presented by the City of Hope. The goal of the Man Cave event is to give guests the opportunity to take some time out of their busy schedule to relax and embark on the path to better health. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with outstanding, dynamic speakers who are both engaging and resourceful. Attendees will learn about many illnesses and diseases that affect men disproportionately and the subsequent steps to dealing with these health issues. The goals of this event are to raise health awareness, build community support, and provide a safe space for men to learn more about themselves and the health barriers that affect them most.
MONTHLY SPEAKER SERIES
Our Monthly Speaker Series features professional and expert speakers who deliver engaging, informative talks on a wide range of health and wellness topics. These include the prevention and management of chronic conditions such as diabetes and cancer, insights into beauty and personal care, guidance on healthy eating and nutrition, and clear explanations of HMOs and current healthcare laws. Each session is designed to educate, empower, and provide practical knowledge that individuals and families can apply to improve their overall health and well-being.
HON. JOHN J. KENNEDYTURKEY HARVEST MARKET hosted by COUNCILMEMBER TYRON HAMPTON
The Annual Community John J. Kennedy Turkey Harvest Market brings our community together during the Thanksgiving season to ensure every family has the ingredients—and the support—they need for a meaningful holiday meal. From pantry staples to a Thanksgiving turkey, we’re here - along with our community partners - to share abundance, connection, and care so no one celebrates this day of gratitude alone
History of the Event: The Hon. John J. Kennedy Community Turkey Giveaway has been a success year after year, and that success is due to your incredible support. This program has always been a true community effort, and we could not have made such an impact without you. Throughout his time in office, John had a heart for helping those in need. With your help, he played a small but meaningful role in uplifting our community. Now, I am asking you to join me in continuing John’s legacy by supporting this year’s Turkey Giveaway.