A Historic Home, a Legendary Family, and a Banner of Hope: Honoring the Stewarts of Pasadena

The Strewart Famly home during an average holiday season.

If you’ve ever driven north up Los Robles Avenue during the holidays—especially past the intersection of Los Robles and Villa—you’ve likely hit the brakes, rolled down your window, and taken in the electric glow of a home transformed into a winter wonderland. That home, a glowing beacon of joy every December, belongs to the Stewart family, a Black generational family that has been living, thriving, and pouring love into Pasadena for decades.

This August, that home will be illuminated once again—not with twinkle lights or inflatable snowmen—but with a banner that celebrates something even deeper: legacy, love, and the unshakable roots of a family that represents everything beautiful about Pasadena’s Black history.

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, August 23rd at 2:30 PM 655 N. Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101

Organized by their sons, Craig & Dudley Stewart, this event will celebrate the legacy of his parents—affectionately known to many in the community as "Superman" and "Sista Odell." This year marks their incredible 69th wedding anniversary, a milestone that speaks to resilience, partnership, and generational strength. Mr. Stewart, now 91 years old, and his beloved wife, who turns 87 this year, are living monuments to a life of purpose, perseverance, and unwavering community commitment.

This is more than a family tribute—it’s a salute to a culture, a neighborhood, and a people. In a time when the Black population of Pasadena and Altadena is shrinking due to displacement, gentrification, and decades of systemic injustice like redlining and economic divestment, events like this are critical. They give us space to pause, recognize, and honor the contributions of those who’ve been here from the beginning—those who built the very blocks we stand on today.

A Black Legacy in Pasadena Worth Protecting

From the construction of the 210 freeway that bulldozed through Black-owned homes and businesses, to housing discrimination practices that created generational economic setbacks, the Black community of Northwest Pasadena has carried a heavy legacy. And yet, despite the barriers, families like the Stewarts have stood tall, rooted deep in love, faith, and community.

In more recent years, tragedies like the Eaton Fire—where numerous Altadena homes, including those owned by Black families for generations, were lost—have compounded the challenges. The loss wasn’t just physical; it was cultural, emotional, and spiritual. The burning of those homes was another gut punch in a long fight to keep Black presence and prosperity alive in this region.

Still, We Rise. Still, We Represent.

That’s why this celebration matters. This banner at the Stewarts’ family home is a powerful reminder that legacy still lives here. That Black love still thrives here. That no matter how many homes are taken, how many neighbors are pushed out, the spirit of DENA still holds strong.

This is also more than a history lesson—it’s a call to action. It’s about bringing awareness to what’s been lost, celebrating what’s still here, and building what comes next. Everyone is invited. Local councilmembers, community leaders, dignitaries, friends, and neighbors will be in attendance. Plus, DD’s Chick and Cat Shack and Pasadena Black Pages will be present to keep the vibe strong and the people fed.

And just up the street, you’ll find us—MADE IN DENA HQ and Workshop—at 2061 N. Los Robles Ave. Suite #204. This is our home too. We’re proud to be part of the same neighborhood that shaped families like the Stewarts and stories like this.

You're Invited: Come Witness Legacy in Living Color

📍 655 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101

📅 Saturday, August 23rd at 2:30 PM

Show Up & Show Out To everyone planning to attend: represent the city and the culture with pride. Grab your MADE IN DENA gear and step out in style. Whether it’s the latest hoodie, or one of our classic originals—this is the time to wear your roots. Exclusive pieces will be available leading up to the event, so visit www.madeindena.com and represent DENA with pride.

This is more than a banner. It’s a moment. It’s a movement. It’s a memory in the making.