Pasadena Village's 1619 Project Discussion Group invites you to join Brian Biery for a presentation covering the history of the 710 Freeway extension and its impact on the community. Learn about the displacement of thousands of residents on nearly 50 acres of our city, and how the ripple effects continue to shape the conversations around the City’s reclamation of the stub. This will be a timely topic during Black History Month, as the City of Pasadena appoints an advisory working group for the 710 stub, and as discussion on equity and reparations are coming to the forefront.

Brian is an Adjunct Professor in the School of Human Development and Education at Pacific Oaks College. He has presented previously on Pasadena history at Pasadena Village’s discussion group and they are always engaging and informative. 

Pasadena Village’s 1619 Project discussion group was inspired by the New York Times issue 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 not to 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. Everybody can engage in the 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 and the third Friday at Noon - 1:30pm. Discussions from previous meetings can be found in the 1619 Project Discussion blog to read the postings and to learn more about this group.

For more information, contact the Village Office at info@pasadenavillage.org or 626-765-6037.