Welcome to the Official petition for the Robinson Boulevard Initiative. This initiative was started by artists in the Pasadena community who were inspired by the story of Jackie Robinson after watching the movie '42'. After being a living testament to the impact Robinson has made on the Great City of Pasadena, we decided we wanted to be a part of 'change' in our community. As a progressive African-American & diverse initiative, we started this petition to send a message to the City and abroad that the young people in the community are empowered and we want our voice to be heard! There are so many factors that motivated this initiative. Let's get to it!

Objective: Change Washington Boulevard in Pasadena, California (as we know it) to the first ever (Jackie or Mack) Robinson Boulevard

Why Do We Want To Change Washington Boulevard to Robinson Boulevard?

• INSPIRATION: We figured if we could be inspired by such a person 42 years after his time, then who knows what can come from the next generation of leaders arising in this great city! We feel that Jackie Robinson fulfilled the Dream of Martin Luther King. And if Jackie is ever going to get his own boulevard, Pasadena (the city he lived) is tha best place to set the trend. When you hear Crenshaw Boulevard, you think Los Angeles. When you hear Robinson Boulevard, you will think Pasadena. This initiative adds to the historical integrity that the City of Pasadena is known for. 
• PROGRESSIVE: One of the main reasons we took it upon ourselves to declare this initiative as local artists is because we feel that this gives community members abroad the opportunity to come together to work together as one. It give members of the community the opportunity to share their opinion on the direction we should go as a community. With such a negative stigma surrounding African Americans, we feel this initiative will give Black people in America a progressive movement. It will give us a way to advocate for change by honoring a historical figure that inspires much of what Pasadena is known for today.

Why Are We Targeting Washington Boulevard? 

• MUST BE A MAJOR THOROUGHFARE: We feel strongly about Robinson getting his own major thoroughfare. No side streets, alleys, parkways, or backstreets. It must be a boulevard. This is what will make it historical.
• TOO COMMON: Washington Boulevard is the only major street in the area that is far too common. Changing surrounding streets like Fair Oaks, Orange Grove, Woodbury, or even Los Robles or Marengo would be pointless for two reasons: 1, those streets are already unique to the City of Pasadena and 2, most of the aforementioned streets run through other cities which will make it more difficult to change. Also, there is another Washington Boulevard approximately 10 miles away, making it a target for the prospective name change. 
• CHARACTER: After doing ample research, we learned that Washington Boulevard in Pasadena, California is named after the State of Washington. The State of Washington is named after the 1st President of the USA, George Washington. Not to discredit George Washington from the great things he did for this country, but he has little to no significance to the Pasadena community compared to the likes of Jackie or Mack Robinson. We believe Jackie Robinson's character stood for Love, Peace, Unity, & Diversity which is perfect for the direction we ought to go as a community. 
• LOCATION: Washington Boulevard is Pasadena's largest central East/West Thoroughfare. It only runs IN Pasadena (& parts of Altadena between Allen Avenue & Altadena Drive). Because Robinson's character represented diversity, this will explain why it would be appropriate for it to run through the East Washington Village where a big part of the Armenian community reside. 

What Is The Vision for Robinson Boulevard?

• A NEW LOOK: As local artists and residents of this great twon, we are building a New Pasadena! Upon changing Washington Boulevard to Robinson Boulevard, it will come with spankin' new street signs designed with a Rose outlined in white. Robinson Boulevard. 
• HISTORICAL: If granted, Robinson Boulevard will be the 1st ever major thoroughfare in the country named after the great barrier breaker! With that comes a new district...SPORTS! Robinson Boulevard will give Pasadena a new & unique Sports District complimenting Robinson Park and several sporting goods outlets along the street.

Our Approach:

As local artists and young people, we understand that an initiative like this can take a lifetime. And so, we're in it for the long haul. In fact, we are so ambitious about this initiative that we decided to take on the inspirational route first...as oppose to the financial and physical. We are so inspired by Jackie Robinson that we organized a 42mile Walk effort demonstrating Love, Peace, & Unity in honor of Jackie Robinson from Pasadena to Leimert Park on January 31st, 2015. We did this walk on what would've been Jackie's 96th birthday because it was exactly 42 years after he passed away AND 150 years of abolished slavery in America (so to speak). Pasadena artist Bing Bing then wrote a tribute song educating people on the life & career of Jackie Robinson. This is our way of pushing the envelope. 

If you would like to be a part of change in your community, or would like to see Jackie or Mack Robinson honored in their own hometown, please sign this petition. Our goal is to educate people on Jackie's life & career to inspire future generations! Please, sign this petition. We can't do it without you!