Videotape Tracing the History of Black Pasadena Wins National Recognition

“The Changing Rose,” the Pasadena Historical Society’s videotape history of black Pasadena, was awarded a certificate of commendation from the American Assn. for State and Local History at its recent annual meeting in Oakland. The Pasadena group was selected by a national committee of historians and was among 73 awardees chosen from 147 nominations from the United States and Canada.

Produced in 1985, the video uses oral history interviews and still photographs to trace the history of Pasadena’s black population. UCLA graduate student Robin Lelley provided the resource material for the project which was conceived by Jane Kostlan of the Historical Society and produced with the help of leaders from Pasadena’s black community who raised $10,000 to match a challenge grant from the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation.

The tape may be borrowed free of charge from the society with a refundable $15 deposit. Copies are also available at the Pasadena Public Library for a rental fee of $2.50 a day.