Political Foes and Allies

John understood the importance of preparation, power, leverage, and goals. He further understood that in all situations –political, corporate, church, etc. – he would encounter foes and allies. Before he walked in a door, he knew what he wanted to achieve. Before meetings, he tried to understand the formal or informal agenda to determine a basis by which he could build allies to support issues important to the greater good of the community or his constituents. As he anticipated, along the way some of his initial foes became his friends and everyone respected his dedication to his community. Everyone, foe and ally alike, respected his passion, commitment, and preparation on behalf of his community. He believed that respect provided the foundation for resolution.

John’s approach to securing Pasadena’s first African Sister City highlighted his strategic philosophy.

For 27 years, the community had been unable to convince the Pasadena City Council to support an African Sister City. John knew a different approach was needed. When advised that again the issue would not pass, he responded with, “Let the chips fall where they may.” He went to the people, the real source of power, to secure needed support. He worked and worked to get the community to attend

City Council meetings to let their voices be heard. Ultimately, the City Council approved Pasadena’s first African Sister City – Dakar-Plateau, Senegal. Thank you, Councilmember John J. Kennedy, for strategically reminding everyone, the community and Councilmembers alike, where real power resides and how to leverage it.

John taught me to rethink fights and battles. He taught me that even when you do not win a fight or debate, you can still learn from your foes and try to understand their perspective and position. Additionally, smart people always look for the good in our foes and others who may not support our initiatives. To get results, we should tap into the emotions and passion of a person; therein often lies the key to a mutually beneficial resolution. John also insisted on respect, no matter how contentious a dispute might be. That was nonnegotiable for him, and he would quickly call out instances of disrespect. Disagreement was acceptable; disrespect was not.

John understood power and felt comfortable enough to speak truth and deal with the consequences. He understood the importance and strategic benefits of understanding other people to move agendas forward for the greater good. That greater good for the community was his “north star,” which guided his decision-making. He believed in “One Pasadena.” He also believed in working with every level of government from the White House to the statehouse to local city halls. He prioritized creating a better city, county, state, and country, and he recognized that building healthy relationships were essential to that priority.

As a connector, he knew that life was about relationships. Accordingly, he wanted to know, understand, and learn from everyone – elected officials, commissioners, volunteers, businesspeople, clergy. He purposefully traveled to Sacramento and Washington, D.C. to build and nurture relationships that could benefit Pasadena and Pasadenans. He recognized that everyone’s work and impact was interconnected.

He viewed elected office as a position from which he could leverage his knowledge and serve as a champion for the voiceless. He believed every person should have a voice, directly or indirectly. Sometimes, someone else must be a voice for others. John wanted everyone to know that City Hall was their hall and that the people who sit around the City Council dais work for the people and bear the responsibility of voicing the people’s interests. To highlight those responsibilities, when he hosted his quarterly community meetings, he insisted that City department heads attend to enable the people to develop relationships with decision makers. John viewed his role as nurturing healthy relationships between the community and city leadership.

He was keenly aware that some, colleagues as well as others, thought his projects and efforts were too extravagant and over the top. By contrast, John believed that his community, like all communities, deserved the best, and selective notions of who deserved what were misguided. When he planned his annual Community Holiday party, he planned it as if the U.S. President would be attending. He saw no reason why the expectations of excellence at an event at the White House should not be the same as the expectations of excellence at an event for Pasadena’s Council District 3. John wanted his district residents and all Pasadena residents to expect, demand, and receive the best. Consistent with his overarching philosophy, he sought allies along the way to help deliver the best.

Respect, both given and received, was another bedrock principle for John. Although sometimes uncomfortable for the recipient, John always demanded respect and he fully understood the consequences of such demands. He knowingly brought discomfort to the table. He realized that choosing the path of least resistance to avoid upsetting or challenging the status quo meant that the status quo remained intact. He forced the City Council to address some tough issues. He consistently and persistently advocated for justice. He believed that if you bring justice, equity automatically comes with it. He was not trying to create an equal playing field; he was trying to create a just playing field. He maintained his focus on the greater good of the community. Along the way, some former foes became not only allies, but also some became incredibly good friends.

John Jackson Kennedy, you will be missed on the dais of the Pasadena City Council. There will never be anyone like you. We do not expect that. Someone will follow in your path, but they will not wear your shoes, nor do we expect that of them. We hope that the person who replaces you on the dais shares your commitment to and passion for the community. We do know that we will miss you every moment. We know you want and expect all of us to support the ongoing good work that is needed and required. You were the champion of the people – not just those in District 3, but across the city –ONE PASADENA!

I appreciatively think of all the elected officials and candidates you brought to Pasadena – U.S. Presidents, U.S. Vice Presidents, Governors, U.S. Senators, Congresspeople, State Senators, Assemblymembers, Supervisors, and other statewide officials. You not only brought numerous dignitaries to Pasadena, but also you ensured that they visited parts of Pasadena rarely visited by officials of their stature. You created opportunities for the voters to meet, talk, and interact on a level they otherwise would not have experienced. You were a man of the people who believed in the people as demonstrated by your actions. Government should belong to the people as you regularly demonstrated. Thank you for all we have learned from you. We are forever grateful and forever in your debt.

Presidents

Supreme Court Justices

U.S. Senators

U.S. Congress

John received a personal invitation from Elijah’s widow, Maya Rockeymore Cummings, to attend the lie-in-state private ceremony with lawmakers in the U.S. Capitol.

Governors

California State Senate & Assembly

August 31, 2022

To the family, friends, and colleagues of John J. Kennedy: On behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus (CLBC), I extend our condolences for the sudden loss of our beloved friend John J. Kennedy.

John was an honorable man and a selfless public servant dedicating nearly a decade of his life to government service. John was an ambitiously brilliant man with intangible leadership skills. From the early beginnings of his career as a public servant, John was called to leadership. He was a student senator at the University of Southern California, earned his Juris Doctor Degree from Howard University School of Law, and became the youngest person to serve as president of the Pasadena branch of the NAACP.

No one benefited more from John's determination than the people of Pasadena. As a Native son and life-long resident, John passionately served as a City Council representative for the constituents of District 3, where he provided the highest quality of resources for the residents and businesses in the area. He was unapologetic about his willingness to uplift the community. John worked for the city of Pasadena in numerous departments, including finance, city attorney, police, and public works departments.

He also served on boards such as the Pasadena Police Foundation, Tom Bradley Legacy Foundation at UCLA, Library Task Force for Alternate Funding, the Community Health Alliance of Pasadena, Community Development Committee, and the Developers' Selection Committee for Heritage Square Senior Housing Development.

As his professional career ascended, John continuously uplifted his community. John's primary focus as a policymaker covered issues regarding fiscal integrity, public safety, affordable housing, local hiring, and progressive social justice issues, many of which the CLBC advocates for to this day.

While it is with a heavy heart that we bid farewell to this great man, we are honored to have known him. John embodied black excellence by walking earnestly through doors and rooms with his head held high, continuously fighting for his community.

We will never forget John as an impassioned leader who proudly represented the African American community and the City of Pasadena. Let us all celebrate his extraordinary accomplishments and honor his life as a public servant. May he forever rest in peace, and his tremendous legacy live on.

Sincerely,

Steven Bradford Chair, California Legislative Black Caucus Senator, 35th Senate District

Councilman John J. Kennedy was blessed and a blessing.

John J. Kennedy was a true son of Pasadena. While he went to Blair High School, Howard and the University of Southern California, Pasadena was always in his heart. He came back to serve, working at Southern California Edison, and as the youngest President of the Pasadena branch of the NAACP. He used these positions to work on issues that he cared deeply about – senior housing, women’s issues, community parks, public safety, education, and healthcare.

He did all of this work with a smile; one that matched his character, heart and commitment to public service.

In each of his stations in life, John J. Kennedy He loved his city, took pride in his city and strived to make it more hospitable and welcoming to everyone. He never ran from constituents, community concerns or an opportunity to listen and learn. He trusted the power of courtesy and the importance of transparency – and it showed in his ability to find result and build trust.

In 2013, he ran for Pasadena City Council. It seems like an obvious decision for someone with as much knowledge of and love for Pasadena. Of course, he was victorious. He quickly and quietly rolled up his sleeves and began the dutiful work of service - serving on the Public Safety and Finance committees and representing the city on the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority. He also headed the Pasadena’s Sister Cities delegation to China and Taiwan in 2014. Years earlier, he had led a city delegation to Dakar- Plateau, Senegal, which recently became Pasadena’s newest Sister City.

John J. Kennedy was a passionate, courageous, and humble public servant. He was a true statesman and a rare breed of politician who put the title of brother, partner, neighbor and friend over any public or positional title.

He will be deeply missed; he will also be celebrated by all who were touched by his ever-reaching love for humanity and his commitment to kindness.

John J. Kennedy is a blessing to all of us.

Assemblymember Chris Holden

I have known John since high school and the Pasadena City Council, and we connected because he was my dear friend.

To this very moment, I cannot believe my friend, brother and ally is no longer a phone call away. John’s presence in my life extended beyond our professional relationship, which included over forty years of sharing laughs together, praying together, fighting for change together, and growing older together. He was committed to social justice, and he was an advocate of marginalized and disenfranchised communities. He embodied the definition of leadership, always making sure the residents of Pasadena were included in the success of anything that impacted their city.

Each of my children, from youth to adult, had the pleasure of experiencing John’s wit and wisdom. He held an important place in the hearts of my wife, Melanie, her sister, Leslie and their brother, Barry, all proud Blair High School Vikings, who considered him a member of the family.

I will always remember fondly this past spring, John sitting on our porch taking a break from gathering signatures for his re-election to visit with Melanie and Barry. Expressing his concern and worry over Melanie’s recent surgery, yet joy with her ongoing recovery. While they visited, Leslie and her daughter Gabby walked our street helping John gather signatures. As I reflect on that day, chatting with neighbors about my re-election, I can’t help but see now how God brought each of these important people in John’s life together for what would be one last time. Unknowingly, we were living moments together that would form an indelible memory of a man who only knew how to share the very best he had.

I only wish I was aware of his struggle and illness and could have provided a prayer to bring him solace. Today, we must continue to honor my friend, brother and ally and his legacy of building One Pasadena. For him to serve was to live, and his work will continue to impact generations.

Supervisors

Kathryn Barger

Los Angeles County Supervisor, 5th District

John was many things to many people. To me, John was a dependable public servant and friend. Our paths first crossed nine years ago when he was elected to the Pasadena City Council and I was Chief of Staff for a prior County Supervisor.

From the start, it was clear to me, that although we came from different backgrounds, we had much in common. Our commitment to our shared constituents stood out. John was a fierce advocate, a tireless and relentless voice for his community. As a City of Pasadena Councilmember, he had an eye for honing in on what his community wanted and which improvements could make a significant impact on the quality of life of the people he represented. I recall him working relentlessly to fund a pool at a local park, making his rounds to drum up funding contributions. When John sought support for anything, it was never about John. His focus was always on helping and lifting a community that he felt was disenfranchised. John’s commitment to justice and equity was unmovable.

As my career in public policy progressed, John and I kept our working relationship strong. Once I was elected as County

Supervisor for the Fifth District, I knew I could count on John to keep me rooted and apprised of his community’s needs. He would text me often, sending me thoughtful messages and wishing me a good day, and I always looked forward to seeing him at community events. That is the kind of person John was — he made you feel special and appreciated. I am thankful that our paths crossed and I remain hopeful that they will once again.

ERIC GARCETTI MAYOR

August 25, 2022

John Kennedy was a rare human being: a loyal friend, a committed servant-leader, a uniter in a moment of division, a doer in an age of talkers. And he was plain fun. I loved working with and laughing with John. He was always someone with a dream and a plan and when he flashed his mischievous grin your way, you knew it was going to be a fun ride. But his rides were not just in pursuit of some thrill, they were rides to advance justice, to make history, to expand history

I first worked closely with John on the Barack Obama campaign in 2008. We both supported the then-Senator. John knew he was a heavy underdog but also saw the pages of American history opening up to meet the possibility of the moment and the challenge of history As California Co-Chair, I relied on John and his sister Lena’s brilliance as we raised money, recruited volunteers, and worked to support the campaign. It was clear that John had a gift and that his charisma and work ethic made it impossible for people to say no. I have no doubt that he and his sister ’s work were integral not only in the state of California but in building the national campaign that resulted in the turning of the page of our nation’s story

When newly-elected President Barack Obama first visited Los Angeles, I’ll never forget John standing up in front of the most powerful man in the world when they asked for a high school gymnasium full of people if they had any town hall-like questions. The President recognized John and thanked him for his help and asked him what question he had. Expecting something about the economy, or foreign policy, or this history-making moment, John instead asked how the President was going to take care of his big sister, who had worked so hard for the President to get elected and whose work in health and in human rights was so well known and respected. It cracked up the new President and reflected who John was–a loving brother, a natural politician, an organizer and promoter of others, truly loving and selfless.

I loved serving alongside John when he became an elected official and in the 88 cities of LA County, he was not only beloved and respected in his Pasadena, but he was well-known and looked to by leaders across Southern California. The way he has made his city, state, country, and world better places are his legacy. But more than what he built, it is how he changed and improved our lives, how he intertwined a mission-driven direction in all of us. My heart is broken, but it has been strengthened by knowing him as well. Rest in Power, John.

Sincerely,

ERIC GARCETTI Mayor

Local Elected Officials

Building “One Pasadena”

Pasadena suffered a tragic loss with the untimely passing of Council Member John J. Kennedy, who brought talent, passion and determination to his efforts to build “One Pasadena.”

John was dedicated to a life of public service! From his time as class president at Blair High School, throughout his life, he worked hard and exercised his leadership to

Bill Bogaard

Former Mayor, City of Pasadena bring the benefits and amenities of this great community to all of its people and all of its neighborhoods.

Even with his many accomplishments, John was still a young man, with so much to offer, and we will all miss his hard work on behalf of Pasadena and its many needs.

As we celebrate his accomplishments, it is my hope that many others in our community will be inspired by his vision of “One

Rick Cole

Pasadena,” and work hard in his memory to create quality of life for all.

Executive Director, Congress for the New Urbanism, Mayor of Pasadena 1992–1994 Former City Manager of Azusa, Ventura and Santa Monica

The beloved Gladys Roshko was the first person who told me about John. He was one of her junior high students and she touted his sterling leadership qualities to me, one of her former students.

“I truly think he could be President someday,” she told me. “What’s the name of this young man?” I asked. “John Kennedy,” she responded and I told her, “With that name, he’s already halfway there!”

Of course, he went on to be student body president at Blair (our shared alma mater) and he always emphasized that common bond. John was a true son of Pasadena – and his roots were integral to both who he was and all he did. We worked together from his days as NAACP President, so when he asked me to campaign with him in my old Council district, I was honored to support him.

What I’ll never forget about knocking on doors with him in the Community Arms neighborhood was how many people he shared connections with through family, school, and community. Those ties sparked instant rapport with everyone we met. Many electeds represent their communities; but John embodied the shared struggles, achievements and dreams of his community.

While never losing touch, we drew closer when I returned to Pasadena in 2020. We had countless conversations about housing, planning, governance and politics – topics John pursued with all the extraordinary passion in his soul. He was ever determined to build One Pasadena – and what a lasting impact he made toward that goal!

Unlike others, I did not grow up knowing John. Ours was a relationship born of electoral politics. We served as colleagues on the Pasadena City Council.

Initially John was wary of me because I did not support his campaign. But gradually he warmed up as I supported his efforts to allocate significant dollars to the renovation of the Robinson Park Recreation Center and affordable housing.

Terry Tornek

Former Mayor, City of Pasadena

Ultimately, we became strong political allies and then friends.

My favorite memories of him were when he joined my family for Shabbat dinner, and he marveled at my granddaughters’ fierce defense of me when he criticized something I had done.

Also, traveling with him on trips, particularly Dakar-Plateau, was a real treat. His big personality somehow grew even bigger overseas! He was fun.

John did not mind being an outlier for a cause that he believed in. He was tenacious, clever and sometimes outrageous if he felt it served the effort. He could take a punch and he served those who needed effective representation more than most.

He was proud of his city, his community, his family and of his achievements. Proud, but not satisfied. There was much more on his agenda, both for Pasadena and personally. That is the pity of his premature passing. His advocacy for some sort of reparation aspect in the redevelopment of the 710 freeway stub; his continued clamoring for an aspirational number of very low income housing units; his oversight of Rose Bowl finances; who will pursue these causes in his absence?

In addition to all the kind words that will be uttered about John J. Kennedy, the best memorial that we could create for him would be positive outcomes on the issues that he cared so much about.

Go with God Brother John; we will keep up the fight.

Andy Wilson

Vice Mayor and Pasadena City Councilmember, District 7

True progress can only be made when we commit to collaborating with partners who bring different perspectives and expand our worldview. I found such a partner with my colleague and friend John J. Kennedy. Though we had vastly different lived experiences, we shared a common commitment to making our City better and creating “One Pasadena.” This honest and constructive alliance made us both better policymakers. Therefore, with the recent and unexpected passing of Councilmember John J. Kennedy, I lost not just a friend and colleague but a key partner who made me a better public servant.

I know both our community, and I personally, will sorely miss him – particularly his larger-than-life personality and his trademark thundering voice. He achieved significant impact in the areas of affordable housing, youth activities, social justice and more just policing through his deep commitment to those with the greatest needs. His unexpected passing has left a significant void in our community, which has left many of us reeling. I send my prayers to John and his family, and thank him for his significant contributions to our City and his invaluable partnership.

Felicia Williams

Pasadena City Councilmember, District 2

My name is Felicia Williams and I am a Councilmember and colleague of the Honorable John J. Kennedy. We first met at Southern California Edison in 2009 where we both worked.

My father was a mentor to John during his leadership at the NAACP, and I remember hearing about the rising star, John J. Kennedy. I was finally introduced to John when we worked together at Southern California Edison. On the City of Pasadena City Council, I found John to be a confidante and we frequently “decompressed” after frustrating council meetings through humor and a reiteration of our commitment to serve the community in which we grew up.

Lately, we discovered we both loved estate sales and antiques, so we would text each other whenever we found a great sale. A true friend, he offered to pick up any furniture or art I found at the sales, and I took him up on his offer! I will miss his humor, friendship through thick and thin, and most of all his absolute dedication to the Pasadena community that served as an inspiration to others and me. Born and raised in Pasadena, John was not about agreeing or being right, it was about what was best for the City he loved. That is true public service.

Jacque Robinson

Former Pasadena City Councilmember

What can I say about John Kennedy? His name alone precedes him. I guess that was one thing we had in common! The thing I remember most about John was that his presence, his voice, his spirit always took over any room or space that he was in. Including the dais (Smile.) John ALWAYS had a story that connected him to the topic of discussion. But that is who he was....he literally knew everybody, in Pasadena and beyond. I fondly remember when John first ran for office. By that time, I had been on the City Council for nearly a full term and I supported his candidacy. I appreciated that he thought so highly of me in my youth that he would seek my endorsement. We campaigned together inside Pilgrim Towers and everybody knew him! That was the way it was in every space I’ve ever been in with him. He kindly introduced me to US Senator Tim Kaine as I

Jessica Rivas

Pasadena City Councilmember, District 5 sought support for my application to the U.S.-Spain Council Young Leaders Program. Despite the competitiveness of the program, I have no doubt that John and his influence contributed to my selection. Although I was ultimately not able to participate due to my decision to run for Mayor that same year, I have always appreciated him for supporting that opportunity for me. I remain saddened by our collective loss of his life and leadership but I know that his legacy will live on through the known and unknown acts of service he made everywhere. May God Bless his soul.

I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to meet Councilmember John J. Kennedy. He was a dedicated public servant who devoted his life to helping our community and making a positive, lasting impact on the City of Pasadena. Councilmember Kennedy welcomed me warmly to the City Council over one year ago, and I am very thankful for his help and support as I stepped into this role. It is hard to imagine Pasadena without Councilmember John J. Kennedy.

Lena, Carol and I are so very sad to learn of John’s passing. He was a very fine person and Pasadena Councilmember and will be missed very much. He was a gracious Councilmember and human being. He will be missed very much. If I can be helpful in any way, please contact me, and I will do anything I can.

Steve Madison

Pasadena City Councilmember, District 6

John J. Kennedy was my friend as well as my colleague on the Council for almost 10 years. However, I have known John since I ran for City Council in 1998.

He was deeply rooted in Pasadena and fiercely committed to the City and its residents, especially working families, young people, elders, and the underprivileged — “the least of these” the Scriptures so eloquently describe.

John was also known on a national scale; just a couple of years ago I met now President Joe Biden at John’s home during the President’s campaign. We also shared a strong admiration for and love of President Barack and Michelle Obama and I recall recently watching a documentary about the Obamas – it may have been HBO’s “Obama: In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union” – and seeing John standing in the first row in the East Room of the White House at an official event attended by only a few dozen persons.

Politically John and I occasionally had our differences, but we agreed far more frequently than we disagreed and our disagreements – always about the “how” not the “why” – were left in the Council chambers and never affected our personal or professional relationship. We regularly exchanged texts and calls, and John always maintained a strong sense of humor and positive spirit. I learned a lot from John and he has left us way too soon – one of the most difficult things is we did not have a chance to say goodbye. He was a young man and the rapidity of his passing is a painful reminder that none of us knows whether we have another day or another 50 years here. One measure of a life well lived is leaving your hometown better than it was before you, and that is certainly true for John J. Kennedy. As he begins his next journey I hope and pray that John knows how much he was loved and appreciated, and how greatly he will be missed.

Margaret McAustin

Former Pasadena City Councilmember, District 2

John and I sat next to each other on the Pasadena City Council dais for eight years. We were an unlikely couple. He was a tall and imposing Black man, and I am a more slight, older White woman. Yet we formed a bond founded in our shared desire to do what was right, and in particular in John’s case, to right the wrongs of the past. In this endeavor, he was relentless and unwavering. He wanted to use his power to speak the truth and tell the truths about a past many wanted to ignore. It was not in his nature to ignore wrongs, and his passion for bringing the sometimes ugly truth to the forefront was difficult for some to hear. I learned a lot from John. He helped to open my eyes to the depths of institutional racism, and I am grateful for his friendship.