February is Black History Month

Emily Morales, Psy.D., Diversity Chair • April 19, 2025

Hello SGVPA Folx,

It is a time of honoring, acknowledging, and celebrating Black History Month. Offering many thanks to our Black and African American members of our community for bringing forth such advocacy, community building, and outreach to such a diverse and uplifting part of our BIPOC community.

We were all witness to the decimation of community, homes, and ways of life in the Eaton fire. May we all lean in and offer strength to each other as our neighborhood grieves and becomes resilient once more in the rebuild. Here are some articles to offer you some more insight to the enrichment of creative Black and African American members of our Pasadena and Altadena community.

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/18/altadena-fire-black-families

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/eaton-fire-devastates-altadena-historic-black-community-history-book-lit-on-fire/

https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/in-altadena-where-many-black-families-became-homeowners-displaced-residents-grapple-with-grief-and-uncertainty

https://altadenaheritage.org/racial-change-over-time/

https://altadenaheritage.org/crucible-of-art-altadena-as-a-special-space-in-black-history/

History of Black History Month

"The timing of African American History Month evolved from the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass in the second week of February. Historian and author Dr. Carter G. Woodson framed the concept that became the first Negro History Week in February 1926. It developed into a monthlong commemoration of the struggles and triumphs of the African American community." (https://www.uscourts.gov/about-federal-courts/educational-resources/annual-observances/african-american-history-month)

https://blackhistorymonth.gov/

Resources for serving the Black/African American Community:

https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/

https://www.nami.org/your-journey/identity-and-cultural-dimensions/black-african-american/

https://sph.umich.edu/pursuit/2024posts/black-mental-health-disparities-2024.html

https://dworakpeck.usc.edu/news/why-mental-health-care-stigmatized-black-communities

https://www.samhsa.gov/behavioral-health-equity/black-african-american

https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/black-mental-health/

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