January 2026

1619 Project Discussion Group explores the Arroyo Seco

The 1619 Project Discussion Group began meeting shortly after the publication of “The 1619 Project” by the New York Times Magazine in August 2019.  Over time, the group has focused on three areas of investigation and discussion: 1. Reading “The 1619 Project” essays and additional articles, books and opinion pieces about systems of inequity and their history; 2. Application of the historical data to frame discussions of current socio-political and socio-cultural issues; and 3. Expanding individuals’ knowledge of the history and development of the City of Pasadena and the effects of systems of inequity on that history and development.

On July 21, the group had the opportunity to deepen its local historical knowledge with a presentation by Marcus Renner, "The Development of the Arroyo Seco." Renner is a doctoral candidate and adjunct professor at the University of California, Davis who focuses on the intersection of natural environments with community access and equity. He is also the founder of Arroyo Seco Placekeepers. Using a process he calls "two-eyed seeing," Renner explored inequity and progress using access to the Arroyo Seco as the frame. Brian Biery, adjunct professor, Pacific Oaks College, facilitated discussion about Renner’s presentation. 

Renner's presentation was recorded and is available on Pasadena Village's YouTube channel. For those who would like more information, the following resources and events are available:

•    library of presentation recordings made to The 1619 Project Discussion Group
•    online event calendar of the Arroyo Seco Placekeepers: email mvrenner@gmail.com for more information

The 1619 Project Discussion Group meets virtually on Zoom on the first Friday of each month at 10:00 am PST and on the third Friday of each month at 12:00 pm PST.