Thank you so much for honoring and amplifying this Black history.
I lived in Pasadena for a number of years and witnessed the devastating effects of gentrification and militarized policing on the Black and Brown communities of Altadena and Northwest Pasadena (both of which are separated from the wealthier, whiter part of Pasadena by the 210 Freeway, in another example of how infrastructure/development so often serves the objectives of white supremacy). This fire is exacerbating all these preexisting racist realities (I’ve been hearing reports of folks detained by police while trying to go to the ruins of their destroyed homes).
My friend Andre Henry features stories from his time in Pasadena in his book All the White Friends I Couldn’t Keep, including that of the protest movement that emerged in response to the murder of our neighbor JR Thomas by Pasadena police. I highly recommend it.
In addition to the vital mutual aid fundraiser you’ve shared, folks on the ground are also encouraging giving to St. Barnabas, a 101-year-old historically Black Episcopal Church in NorthWest Pasadena. Half the church’s vestry (board) plus another parishioner have lost their homes, and because they are a small church they have few resources from which to draw to support their members and wider community in rebuilding. (Donors should put FIRE RELIEF in the memo of their gift).
Thank you for sharing this important history. I hate that, as with Katrina or even Tulsa, it often takes tragedy for us to learn things we all should have known in the first place. Sending love and support to the community, and hope for rain. ❤️
Thanks for taking a moment to reflect on this important history. I lived in Altadena when I was an undergrad at Occidental and it was a home away from home during those all important years. A friend of mine lost her family home along with the countless others. I hope with all my heart we can support their recovery.
Even in such an overwhelming tragedy there are those that must parse by race. Where some see a human calamity, others must distinguish the heartache of blacks from those of whites - as if there was a meaningful difference.
Altadena didn’t need to burn. If resources had been shifted earlier from the Palisades, where most places were already beyond saving, many homes in Altadena could have been spared. But, of course, we’re just conspiracy theorists who don’t know what we’re talking about. It’s typical though—the wealthy are always prioritized, with resources funneled to protect them while the needs of the poor are treated as a second thought. It’s the same story every time.
Thank you so much for this piece, capturing the pain and loss so lovingly and lyrically. I was unaware of the Black history for this region, so very much appreciate you bringing it to light!
thank you for seeing & telling 💜
Thank you so much for honoring and amplifying this Black history.
I lived in Pasadena for a number of years and witnessed the devastating effects of gentrification and militarized policing on the Black and Brown communities of Altadena and Northwest Pasadena (both of which are separated from the wealthier, whiter part of Pasadena by the 210 Freeway, in another example of how infrastructure/development so often serves the objectives of white supremacy). This fire is exacerbating all these preexisting racist realities (I’ve been hearing reports of folks detained by police while trying to go to the ruins of their destroyed homes).
My friend Andre Henry features stories from his time in Pasadena in his book All the White Friends I Couldn’t Keep, including that of the protest movement that emerged in response to the murder of our neighbor JR Thomas by Pasadena police. I highly recommend it.
In addition to the vital mutual aid fundraiser you’ve shared, folks on the ground are also encouraging giving to St. Barnabas, a 101-year-old historically Black Episcopal Church in NorthWest Pasadena. Half the church’s vestry (board) plus another parishioner have lost their homes, and because they are a small church they have few resources from which to draw to support their members and wider community in rebuilding. (Donors should put FIRE RELIEF in the memo of their gift).
https://stbarnabaspasadena.org/give/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2rn_X8k8Z5lwlanqozk5wSLJw77f9ypXxriq49tXV5SJzjeZGM8w6D48E_aem_Z64nGA2xKUSGsZ5lTjyB6Q&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2JUgva_onCo3zqgvRF2NxW0M5TfpZX9w5eeN7hBhjguFyX2ubImPFGzSg_aem_QQl6N1RPIjmiDYjRVAzlgw
Best from Black History Roots amidst Fires 🔥 of LA. Let’s promise each other to ADD this one for More Support ASAP!!!
Thank you for sharing this important history. I hate that, as with Katrina or even Tulsa, it often takes tragedy for us to learn things we all should have known in the first place. Sending love and support to the community, and hope for rain. ❤️
Thank you for sharing this important story. As always, I learned so much from your writing.
Thanks for taking a moment to reflect on this important history. I lived in Altadena when I was an undergrad at Occidental and it was a home away from home during those all important years. A friend of mine lost her family home along with the countless others. I hope with all my heart we can support their recovery.
Even in such an overwhelming tragedy there are those that must parse by race. Where some see a human calamity, others must distinguish the heartache of blacks from those of whites - as if there was a meaningful difference.
Thank you!! It's so heart breaking. I'm sharing the GoFundMe with everyone!!
Thank you, always 🙏🏻
❤️
Altadena didn’t need to burn. If resources had been shifted earlier from the Palisades, where most places were already beyond saving, many homes in Altadena could have been spared. But, of course, we’re just conspiracy theorists who don’t know what we’re talking about. It’s typical though—the wealthy are always prioritized, with resources funneled to protect them while the needs of the poor are treated as a second thought. It’s the same story every time.
Thank you Fredrick, will share ❤️LA
Thank you so much for this piece, capturing the pain and loss so lovingly and lyrically. I was unaware of the Black history for this region, so very much appreciate you bringing it to light!
Thank you. As always, love your writing.