Attachment H
Public Comments Submitted After the Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting From: I AM LOVE 333
Sent: Tuesday, October 08, 2024 8:30 AM
To: Gordo, Victor <[email protected]>; Harvey-Williams, Brenda <bharvey- [email protected]>; Hampton, Tyron <[email protected]>; Jones, Justin <[email protected]>; Marquez, Miguel <[email protected]> Cc: Panossian, Koko <[email protected]>; Markarian, Kris <[email protected]>; Wu-Bowman, Yannie <[email protected]> Subject: Honoring Troop Letter To Jackie Robinson Family Hello Mayor Gordo, City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City Council & City Staff.
I am forwarding you guys the letter I wrote to the Jackie Robinson Family. I was asked by a couple of family member if I could send an email to address the whole family regarding The R & B Legends Troop.
A Proposal to hfonor Troop at the Jackie Robinson Center Dear Robinson Family,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is Keisha Wilkins, and I am writing to discuss an opportunity to honor the R&B group Troop by naming the dance room at the Jackie Robinson Center after them. I understand the family's concerns regarding the city's previous decision not to rename the kitchen in Mrs. Robinson's honor, and I empathize with your feelings.
Troop has deep roots in Pasadena, having practiced in that very dance room for nearly four decades. The late Reggie, a beloved member, spent countless hours there, infusing the space with his spirit and energy. This room holds not only memories of their journey but also a sense of community and purpose. Troop has performed in front of millions of fans worldwide, proudly representing Pasadena, and they continue to use the Jackie Robinson Center to prepare for their tours to this very day. Renaming the room would serve as a testament to the artistic legacy that uplifts both the community and the soul.
The members of Troop hold deep respect and admiration for Jackie Robinson and the example he and his brother set. Growing up in Pasadena, they recognize the profound impact the Robinson family has had, not just in sports, but as trailblazers for equality and inspiration for future generations.
As a burn survivor, I understand the healing power of dance, and as a dancer, I know how this room can inspire children in our community. Renaming it after Troop would celebrate their legacy while encouraging future generations of artists and dancers.
The contributions of Troop are significant:
Reggie: His energy and passion were pivotal to the group's success, and his memory lives on in the dance room.
Rodney: As the group's choreographer, he played a crucial role in shaping their performances and is eager to engage with the community, including participating in the proposed line dancing classes.
Attachment H
Public Comments Submitted After the Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting Jon Jon: Known for his extensive work in gospel music, he and his family have performed at churches across Pasadena since childhood, reinforcing their commitment to the community. He is also a member of the KJLH Choir.
Steven Russell: A Grammy-winning songwriter and producer, Steve has crafted unforgettable music, including hits for Troop and other artists like Jordan Sparks, Chris Brown, B2K, Tyrese, Beyonce, Aretha Franklin, and The Whispers.
Alien: He coined the acronym "Total Respect Of Other People" and has pursued a successful solo career, contributing to the group's legacy and inspiring future artists.
Troop boasts 3 #1 hits and 10 top 10 hits. They have made notable appearances on theArsenio Hall Show multiple times, and their music was featured in the film New Jack City. Additionally, Troop had a dance named after them that became widely popular, showcasing their influence on the dance culture of their time.
Renaming the dance room would not only honor Troop but also serve as an inspiration for children in the community, encouraging them to engage in the arts. This initiative reflects the values of resilience and creativity that both the Robinson and Troop families hold dear.
I am willing to assist in addressing your concerns about the kitchen issue with the city. My hope is that we can find common ground to celebrate both the Robinson and Troop legacies.
I have proposed to conduct monthly line dancing classes in memory of Reggie, fostering engagement and keeping his spirit alive.
Thank you for considering this proposal. I look forward to the possibility of discussing this further and hope we can work together to create a lasting legacy for both families.
Warm regards,
Keisha Wilkins
Visionary Entertainment
Longtime friend of the R&B group Troop
Attachment H
Public Comments Submitted After the Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting From: Tosha Esters
Sent: Monday, October 14, 2024 1:00 AM
To: Harvey-Williams, Brenda <[email protected]>; Gordo, Victor <vaordo(a)citvofDasadena.net>; Hampton, Tvron <THamDton(a)citvofpasadena.net>; Markarian, Kris <[email protected]>
Subject: Honor Troop in Pasadena
Call to Action Letter:
Subject: Honor Troop in Pasadena
Dear Mayor Gordo, City Manager, Assistant City Manager, and Honorable City Council, I am writing to urge your support in honoring the legendary R&B group Troop, who have dedicated nearly 40 years to music and community. They have practiced at the Jackie Robinson Center for over 35 years, where we are asking to rename the dance room in honor of Troop and their/our fallen angel, Reggie Warren. ^3 As well as the plaque at the Civic Center right next to Van hlalen's.
Along with the other options below.
On October 21st at 6 PM, I ask that you personally support all of the following options to recognize their contributions:
•Install a plaque at the Civic Auditorium next to Van Halen's. & naming a dance room after Troop at Jackie Robinson Center
•Rename a street to "Troop Way." Along with plaque at Civic Auditorium •Award them a Key to the City—an unprecedented honor. Along with the plaque at Civic Auditorium •Install a plaque at Central Park, complementing the tribute at the Civic Auditorium. Along with the dance room at the Jackie Robinson Center.
I concur that The R & B Legends Troop deserves to be honored in all the ways listed above. Street Name Change is on the top of the list. Plaque at the Civic Auditorium with the dance room at the Jackie Robinson Center is fitting as well. Also options The Key to the City and plaque at Central Park would be awesome. Please Support we are asking that Troop get their flowers in the City of Pasadena.
***encourage everyone to come out on October 21st for the city council vote or write as soon as possible to ensure the city receives your emails and makes them public before that date. I ask that you advocate for at least two of these options during the upcoming council meeting.
Troop has represented Pasadena since childhood, starting with dance and evolving into the R&B legends they are today. These honors not only celebrate their impact but also inspire future generations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Tosha Esters
Perris Ca
Attachment H
Public Comments Submitted After the Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting From: Gianna Advincula
Date: Fri, Oct 11, 2024, 12:35 PM
Subject: Honor Troop in Pasadena
To:
I am writing to urge your support in honoring the legendary R&B group Troop, who have dedicated nearly 40 years to music and community. They have practiced at the Jackie Robinson Center for over 35 years, where we are asking to rename the dance room in honor of Troop and our fallen angel, Reggie Warren.
On October 21st at 6 PM, I ask that you personally support all of the following options to recognize their contributions:
•Install a plaque at the Civic Auditorium next to Van Halen's. & naming a dance room after Troop at Jackie Robinson Center
•Rename a street to "Troop Way." Along with plaque at Civic Auditorium •Award them a Key to the City—an unprecedented honor. Along with the plaque at Civic Auditorium
•Install a plaque at Central Park, complementing the tribute at the Civic Auditorium. Along with the dance room at the Jackie Robinson Center.
I encourage everyone to come out on October 21st for the city council vote or write as soon as possible to ensure the city receives your emails and makes them public before that date.
I ask that you advocate for at least two of these options during the upcoming council meeting. Troop has represented Pasadena since childhood, starting with dance and evolving into the R&B legends they are today. These honors not only celebrate their impact but also inspire future generations.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
GiannaAdvincula