Rose Parade to have first African American president in 2019
In 2019 the Rose Parade will mark its 130th anniversary. It will also mark another milestone: It will be led by the first African American president of the Tournament of Roses Assn.
Gerald Freeny, 50, who joined the nonprofit association as a volunteer in 1988, was recently elected to the group’s executive committee. Under its bylaws, he is scheduled to serve as president in 2019 and oversee the 130th parade, as well as the 105th Rose Bowl Game.
Freeny, who works in law enforcement, is a native of Pasadena. He said his parents and grandparents were longtime volunteers in community organizations. That is why he joined the Tournament of Roses Assn. while in college at Cal State Los Angeles, at the suggestion of a professor who was a member.
“I grew up here and had the opportunity to go to the parade as a child, to go to the Rose Bowl game as a child,” he said. “It’s an honor to be able to give back to Pasadena.”
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Photo: Gerald Freeny, left, standing in front of the Target float in 1995. Credit: Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times
EDITOR'S PICKS:
"...joined the nonprofit association as a volunteer in 1988..."?
What the hey???
Don't they have members who have more years in the association and better qualifications than a 50 year old "...involved in law enforcement"?
Not trying to demean, just asking.
Posted by: Lee Rivas | February 25, 2011 at 02:07 PM
Good for Mr. Freeny. It takes decades working for the Tournament to move up the ladder and it paid off for him!
Posted by: boochie | February 25, 2011 at 02:54 PM
"not trying to demean, just asking"If you have a job and I mean a big "If" ,,,,,Full time job,family and still have time to volunteer for 50 years plus,I salute Mr. Freeny!!!!!!! Better qualifications ,More years in the association? Apparentley the association feels that he is the man to represent them. Thanks Mr. Freeny since I have a "job" and family I don't have time to volunteer. Lots of success.
Posted by: ten-29-me | February 25, 2011 at 03:33 PM
I assume Freeny is an ELK
Posted by: cover2 | February 26, 2011 at 07:55 AM