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By Maya Mackey
On January 7th, the Eaton Canyon in Southern California broke out in a wildfire that is believed to have been the result of electrical braking in buildings nearby. For days the fire spread and eventually decimated a large portion of the Altadena community.
On January 10th, some of the clergy who founded the Clergy Community Coalition in Pasadena gathered to pray for their city and their “flock” as uncertainty loomed over how to begin restoration. What they did not anticipate was that Congresswoman Maxine Waters would be in their midst that day, as she felt a personal conviction to help local churches in the community.
People shared stories of devastation and loss that brought Ms. Waters to tears, and she got to work immediately, reaching out to her network to see what could be done to help. One notable friend willing to jump in was Ed Lewis, co-founder and original publisher of Essence Magazine. Lewis gave a personal donation of $100,000.
On January 28th, the Clergy Community Coalition held a press conference with Congresswoman Waters, Ed Lewis and Congresswoman Judy Chu, who represents California’s 28th District, home of Altadena residents. Waters informed the press and the pastors that California Governor Gavin Newsom has squashed attempts to under sell Altadena homes once they’ve been rebuilt. Waters also said she is in the process of setting legal resources to protect the homeowners of Altadena. Woodbury Disaster Resource Center was listed as a primary and prominent resource to help the community, in particular, seniors who will have a harder time adapting.
The Eaton fire destroyed over 12 faith congregations, including churches, mosques and temples. Pastors, rabbis and ministers are leading the people, in the midst of their own loss and grief. Pastor Anthony MacFarlane of Lift International lost his church in the fire. It had been in his family for three generations. Pastor MacFrlane highlighted the message of stewardship and legacy in the Bible and said people are not grieving buildings. They are grieving the hard work of stewardship and generational wealth, abundance and protection in his community that was stolen by the Eaton fire.
He also emphasized that “Altadena is not for sale” and urged the rest of the Greater L.A. community to rally beside them in rebuilding the town. He dissuaded former home owners from selling their land to realtors who will oversell to incomers looking to take advantage of the land there (gentrification) whilst likely buying up the land for far less than it will be worth once the repairs and rebuilding are done. The Clergy Community Coalition has served over 100 faith communities for the last 20 years and the CCC is demanding that the county government work faster to help people in need.
Since the Eaton fire became front page news, many Angelenos unaware of Altadena’s history, have received an education about the generations of Black families there.. An influx of African-Americans migrated to the Southern California town during the height of Jim Crow racism, where it was once legal to practice “red-lining”–discriminating against whom you sell home loans to based on their skin complexion/racial identity.
As Black migrants moved into town during the 60s, white people began moving out. The numbers have fluctuated in the last twenty years, but while the Black residents have dwindled since the 80s, Altadena’s Black community was at 19% until the Eaton fire destroyed much of what was built. The community asks for support in rebuilding and it’s safe to say everyone who attended the conference are on board. If you’d like to donate, volunteer or get access to resources to help rebuild, visit https://clergycommunitycoalition.org.