Wildfires Devastate the Predominantly Black Community of Altadena, California

Wildfires Devastate the Predominantly Black Community of Altadena, California: How We in Chicago Can Help

The recent wildfires in California, intensified by strong Santa Ana winds and prolonged drought conditions, have severely impacted several communities. Among the hardest hit is Altadena, a predominantly Black, middle to upper-income community in Los Angeles County.

Background on Altadena:

Altadena, located northeast of Pasadena, has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. It became a haven for African-American families during the Great Migration in the 1920s and 1930s, fostering a vibrant, close-knit community that has persisted for over a century.

Altadena was initially developed in the late 19th century as an affluent suburban retreat for wealthy white residents of Los Angeles. It was designed to be an upscale residential area with large estates, citrus groves, and a picturesque setting at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. The neighborhood attracted well-to-do white families who wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life while still being close to Pasadena and Los Angeles.

Racial Covenants & Segregation

Like many communities in early 20th-century Los Angeles County, Altadena was subject to racial covenants that explicitly prevented non-white people, including Black families, from buying homes in certain neighborhoods. These racially restrictive deeds were common throughout the U.S. and were legally enforced until the Supreme Court ruled them unenforceable in 1948 (Shelley v. Kraemer). However, even after this ruling, housing discrimination continued informally through redlining and social pressure.

During the mid-20th century, many Black families moved to California from the South as part of the Great Migration, seeking better economic opportunities and freedom from Jim Crow laws. While many settled in South Los Angeles, a growing Black professional and middle-class community emerged in Pasadena and eventually expanded into Altadena.

In the 1950s and 1960s, as racial restrictions began to weaken and the Civil Rights Movement gained momentum, more Black families—many of whom were professionals, educators, and business owners—began moving into Altadena. They were drawn by the area’s beautiful homes, good schools, and the opportunity to own property in an integrated, suburban setting.

White Flight & Increasing Black Homeownership

As Black families moved into Altadena, some white families chose to leave, a pattern seen in many American suburbs during the postwar period. This phenomenon, known as "white flight," was driven by racial fears, discriminatory lending practices, and economic shifts. By the 1970s and 1980s, Altadena had developed into a predominantly Black, middle- to upper-middle-class enclave, with many families owning their homes and contributing to the area's stability and cultural richness.

Wildfire Damage in Altadena:

The Eaton Fire, which began on January 7, 2025, has devastated Altadena, destroying approximately 9,391 structures and damaging an additional 1,063 as of January 20. The extent of insurance coverage among Altadena residents varies. Given the area's history with wildfires, many homeowners carry fire insurance. However, with the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires, some residents face challenges with underinsurance or rising premiums, potentially leaving them vulnerable in the aftermath of such disasters.

Organizations Assisting Altadena Residents:

In response to the devastating wildfires that have severely impacted Altadena, several Black organizations and individuals have mobilized to provide targeted assistance to the community:

• Community Aid Dena: This initiative has compiled a directory of verified GoFundMe campaigns to support Black families who lost their homes in the fires. The directory allows donors to contribute directly to those in need, ensuring that aid reaches the intended recipients.
• BeyGOOD Foundation: Founded by Beyoncé, the BeyGOOD Foundation has pledged $2.5 million to assist in rebuilding efforts for the historic Black community of Altadena. These funds are being distributed to local churches and community centers serving as resources for wildfire victims.
• Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC): In collaboration with rapper Flavor Flav, BMAC has initiated a GoFundMe fundraiser to assist Black families displaced by the Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena. The effort aims to support these families with essential needs and rebuilding efforts post-displacement.
• Los Angeles Urban League: This organization offers a range of resources, including housing assistance, job services, and disaster relief grants. At their center for wildfire victims, they’re distributing essentials like food, water, and other necessities while helping families navigate recovery processes like insurance claims and aid applications.
• NAACP Legal Defense Fund: The NAACP Legal Defense Fund offers legal aid to wildfire victims, helping with insurance claims, housing rights, and advocacy for equitable recovery efforts.
• Compton Cowboys: This group has mobilized to assist Southern California’s displaced animals amid the wildfires. Teaming up with local shelters and animal welfare organizations, they are providing caretakers with essential supplies needed to care for over 300 displaced animals and livestock.
• It’s Bigger Than Us LA (IBTU): This Los Angeles-based nonprofit is collecting financial donations for fire relief, as well as clothing, hygiene products, and bedding to support victims. They’re also working closely with public volunteers to organize and deliver donations to families that may be out of immediate reach.
• N.O.A.H.’s Foundation: Founded in 2019, this nonprofit has established a hotel fund to aid in covering the costs of families temporarily sheltering away from their homes. They’ve also been working closely with local volunteer forces to get donated items to the families who need them most.

These organizations are playing crucial roles in providing targeted assistance to Altadena's Black community during this challenging time.

Individuals looking to support Altadena's recovery can:

• Donate: Contribute to reputable organizations involved in relief efforts, such as the American Red Cross or local community foundations.
• Volunteer: Participate in rebuilding and support initiatives through organizations like All Hands and Hearts.
• Provide Supplies: Donate essential items, including clothing, non-perishable food, and hygiene products, to local shelters and distribution centers.
• Offer Housing: If feasible, provide temporary accommodation to displaced families through recognized platforms or community groups.

Today, Altadena remains one of the most diverse and historically significant Black communities in Los Angeles County. While gentrification and rising property values have changed the demographic landscape somewhat, the area is still home to many Black professionals, artists, and community leaders. The resilience and solidarity of communities like Altadena are crucial in overcoming the challenges posed by such natural disasters. Collective efforts in providing support and resources will significantly aid in the rebuilding and healing process.