The LA Fires devastate the Black community as the Eaton Fire destroyed or damaged nearly half of Altadena’s Black families’ homes, with three victims honored at a memorial service on February 6 at the First African Methodist Episcopal Church in Pasadena, highlighting concerns over inequities in disaster response and recovery efforts.

Speakers at the memorial, like Rev. Al Sharpton and civil rights lawyer Ben Crump, criticized former President Donald Trump for neglecting Altadena, a historically Black community while touring the damaged Pacific Palisades, an affluent and predominately white suburb. Local authorities stressed equal access to resources and equitable treatment in reconstruction efforts.

Black neighborhoods in west Altadena received emergency alerts hours later than others, according to investigations that found discrepancies in evacuation notices. The Eaton Fire claimed the lives of all 17 people who lived west of Lake Avenue.

Fears of Displacement and Historical Discrimination

As LA Fires devastate the Black community, residents and experts fear that post-disaster gentrification may hasten the Black community’s displacement in Altadena, mirroring patterns observed in Maui during the 2023 wildfire. From the 1930s redlining of west Altadena to the freeway construction that uprooted thousands of Black Pasadena residents, Altadena has a lengthy history of racial discrimination. The UCLA disaster report cautions that Altadena’s Black population, which was once 43% of the city, could drastically decline if nothing is done.

Residents worry that the Pacific Palisades and other affluent areas will be given preference when it comes to rehabilitation. To guarantee that Black families can rebuild and stay in their homes, local leaders have vowed to fight for equitable insurance policies, contractor access, and real estate safeguards.

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Organizing for Justice and Recovery

The Black community in Altadena has swiftly organized to safeguard its future despite the destruction. With the slogan “Altadena is not for sale,” locals have organized demonstrations, integrating music and art into their advocacy. Recognizing that the fire destroyed not only homes but also generational wealth, organizations like BET Media and the NAACP have started grant programs to assist families who lost businesses and homes.

The cultural institution Rhythms of the Village burned down, but local entrepreneur Emeka Chukwurah has been raising awareness at notable events like the Grammy Awards and offering survivors free resources. With worries about contaminated tap water, toxic air, and long-term economic difficulties, activists caution that recovery will take years and require consistent attention.

“This is not going away in a couple of months,” stated Michael Williams, a Black Lives Matter advocate from Pasadena. “We are going to need people to pay attention and be locked in.”

Also Read: Black Women Are Leading The Fight Against Polluters In Louisiana — And They’re Winning