PASADENA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

August 5, 2022

Dear Family and Friends of John Kennedy:

I met John just after he was elected to the Pasadena City Council. We were at a meeting of community members to talk about the progress of students, especially Black male students in the Pasadena Unified School District.

He was a proud graduate of Blair School and regularly called on students in Blair’s JROTC to present flags and accompany him at events. As he talked about his days as a student, I felt an instant connection with him. He expressed a genuine desire to work with Pasadena Unified to make things better for our students, especially those who had been underserved for too long.

John was a man who truly cared about making the world a better place. He responded with empathy and urgency when his constituents brought up any issues with our schools. John took the time to always send me bible verses and a word of encouragement almost on a daily basis. He also had a stern but compassionate way of redirecting me especially when I was complaining too much about difficult issues I was working to address.

John Kennedy was a true friend and his commitment to the people of the City of Pasadena and the students of Pasadena Unified is unparalleled. He was a gentleman, a scholar, a warrior, and a spiritual man, a special person with a personal mission for good.

He will be remembered as a beacon of light in our community. We are indebted to him and his family for all they have done for generations of PUSD students.

Sincerely,

Brian McDonald, Ed.D. Superintendent of Schools

USC OFFICE OF BUSINESS DIVERSITY & ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY

I had the honorable pleasure to meet John when I was building the executive volunteer board of advisors for the USC Black Alumni Association in 2008. John was working in government relations for Southern California Edison at the time and was enthusiastically supportive of providing his advocacy for the USC BAA to receive sponsored funding for Black student scholarships that could provide pathways for students into STEM career paths. From the start, John believed in Black students receiving an equitable distribution of corporate support on the local level, knowing that there were often inequalities in funding decisions. Additionally, he connected his personal networks to the work the BAA was doing and convinced several high-profile donors to support BAA scholarships. In particular, a scholarship he assisted with in the USC Thornton School of Music was used as a recruiting tool for a highly competitive diverse student for several years.

As a board member, John was a strategist. He regularly called to question the enrollment percentages and outcomes of Black students at USC. Sharing his passion to serve his community, he offered his influence to expose young students to the political excitement and importance of local and national campaign involvement. He was a wonderful mentor, serious about his impact as a positive role model. On the fun side, John was a strident, loyal Trojan! He was always one to enjoy an invitation to SC football games and would come dressed in full Trojan regalia! Over the ten plus years that we worked together, he also became a personal friend that never forgot to check in each holiday or send a loving Mother’s Day wish. I will dearly miss his bright smile, phone calls with great ideas and that twinkle in his eye.

Rest in Power My Friend!

Michèle G. Turner Associate Vice President

Educators/Teachers

Alma M. Stokes

John J. Kennedy is my special son. I first met John when he was my student at McKinley Middle School in Pasadena. At the time, I was the PUSD Site Director of ESSA, which was mandated to help integration work. John was one of a group of my students working to bring “Unity and Brotherhood” toward total school inclusion through special events, programs, and exchanges with student organizations. During this time John was Student Body President, a position that interestingly alternated each semester between him and John Marsh for two years. During this phase I would advise John. One of the things I would say to him is; “John, you are going places and it is important that you learn to be diplomatic and learn how to deal with all people.” Our relationship continued through his High School years, involvement in the Ambassadors Program, NAACP Presidency, Edison Company, to Pasadena City Council. Somewhere during that time, in my mind and heart John transitioned from special student to my special son.

John would always make it a point to involve me in things he was doing – particularly related to the

Pasadena community – and always acknowledged me in subtle, but very special ways. For instance, when John was at Edison he invited me to a special dinner and to my surprise I was seated at a table between two State Senators. He always made a point to stay in touch with me, seek my advice, and made sure I had knowledge of current City affairs and community needs.

John was a believer in Community, Justice, and Equity for all people! The whole city of Pasadena was important to him, and he looked-out for areas considered problems for others, as he fought for the rights, place, and voice of residents in his district and throughout Pasadena. I know that John’s Pasadena public schools’ experiences, faith community, church, and travels, helped John to be the organizer, activist, entrepreneur and wonderful Statesman who ALWAYS gave his best… From the time he was a boy to the fine man he grew up to become, John was a changemaker who never treated a person as though they were unworthy of respect. John was unusual and so outstandingly different from many in the community leadership. One of his life-missions was to make Pasadena a World-class City, concerned with the betterment of “All People”. I miss my special child being here, but John’s spirit will continue to shine bright in Pasadena and my heart…

Mrs. Carol KorobeyWillett

Deborah and Norman Morrow

I will always treasure John and I am deeply saddened that he has passed away. I still come to Pasadena weekly to attend the church services at the Salvation Army Pasadena Tabernacle to worship. John’s loss will be deeply missed by so many, and his memory will always be treasured in my heart.

Our deepest condolences, Deborah and Norman Morrow

In my early years of serving as the Assistant Principal and Coach at Blair High School I met John Kennedy. John’s presence on campus was electrifying! He enlightened the entire staff, his peers, and everyone around him. I will always treasure the time I personally spent with John that included ASB activities, numerous leadership clubs, and Blair’s athletics.

John was not only my former student he was also a beloved friend. Over the years after he graduated from Blair High School he would occasionally call me to find out how I was doing and that our years together at Blair were so special for both of us. John came back to Blair to visit and share words of encouragement to the Blair students, and staff. His positive personality truly enlightened the school and its population.

Mrs. Samella Yarbrough

I met John as a student advisor when he was a middle school student. Even at the age of twelve he made an immediate impression at the school, becoming involved in Student Council and demonstrating leadership skills in the Human Relations Commission. Because of the potential I witnessed, I was not surprised when he entered law school. He seemed destined for a life devoted to making positive changes in the world.

Later our relationship transitioned from educator and student to trusted friends. Often, he walked to our home, sat in his favorite chair, and my husband and I would have lengthy conversations about conditions in Pasadena and the school district, how problems could be improved, the reasons that they were not, and possible, practical solutions. He understood in our home his opinions were respected and his confidences were kept. Despite the serious nature of our conversations, he maintained the boyish sense of joy and wonderment. We cherish these memories.

John was an exemplary councilmember loving Pasadena, never forgetting the underrepresented and frequently forgotten, and he was always accessible. No matter what he accomplished, he desired to do more. He felt he was given two hands with one meant to help others and sometimes that was not enough. He accepted responsibility with no concern for receiving credit. God has given each of us gifts. John discovered his gifts and shared them with the world. His legacy remains, and I will never forget my awesome friend, John J. Kennedy.

Judy McAlpin

One never knows what influence a teacher has on students, but sometimes students have an influence on teachers, too. John Kennedy was one of those students who influenced me. He kept me politically aware, socially aware, and striving for equal rights. He had a way about him that gave me (and I am sure others) the feeling I was the most important teacher in his life. He savored his relationships with his educators. Each was important to him.

As a student in my math classroom, John blended with others. However, as a member of Blair’s student body, he stood out. He used skills from the classroom in leading others. His dedication to learning makes me proud.

One of two recent encounters I had with John was at All Saints Church. He helped honor Alma Stokes. He related that his successes in life came from his family and his teachers. I don’t believe that John was aware I and others were the real winners by knowing him. The other time I talked with John was at the Blair High School re-dedication. He loved our school and spoke with many of his teachers. I reminded him that I was still expecting him to continue in politics and that someday I wanted to vote for him for President. Many people saw that in John’s future. I am sad that day will not come.

John J. Kennedy was friends with my younger sisters Denise and Carla, and lived in the same neighborhood and attended the same schools. In 1975, I moved to Pasadena on Forest Avenue and

Elizabeth Anne Lyles

was overwhelmed with joy! Our families continue to share such joys.

the Kennedy family lived a few blocks away on Hammond. Over the years, our families grew close. I remember at my mother’s 85th birthday, John presented her with a certificate of congratulations from the City of Pasadena. My mother

John was like a young nephew that I watched grow from an excelling student to a dedicated policymaker and champion of the people. Over time, he kept me informed about his educational pursuits and civic aspirations. I followed his educational and professional progress with pride. As John shared updates and insights on his professional journey, I offered encouragement and expressed how proud I was of him. On many occasions, I informed John of the love and appreciation the community felt for him. Many times after community meet ings, residences would share their gratitude for his dedication to improve the quality life of District 3 and that of Pasadena-at-large. At Thanksgiving, John would orchestrate an entire city team effort to provide turkeys and hams for families. He was a true civil servant who focused on the needs of the community.

John continued to be a nephew I was proud of and loved. In 2018, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and I shared this news with him. He walked with me through this journey with prayers and emotional support. He listened to my fears and concerns and checked on my progress. When the “stone had been rolled away,” we celebrated. I miss his kindness, concern and comfort. My life is richer for having known John and I know we will see each other again.