This post was originally published on Defender Network
This article was also published on Word In Black.
By ReShonda Tate
When the Eaton Canyon fires roared through Altadena and Pasadena on January 7, the historic Black community of Altadena, a beacon of resilience and Civil Rights-era progress, faced near-total devastation. Among Los Angeles County’s hardest-hit areas, the unincorporated San Gabriel Valley town—home to 42,000 residents—saw over 1,000 structures destroyed, at least five lives lost and thousands displaced.
This tragedy prompted an outpouring of support from across the nation, with Beyoncé leading the charge by donating $2.5 million to help rebuild the community. The superstar’s generous contribution underscores the importance of preserving Altadena’s legacy as a stronghold of Black homeownership and culture.
“Altadena represents the dreams and achievements of so many Black families who have thrived here for generations,” Beyoncé shared in a statement. “We must come together to ensure this community rises again.”
A Legacy Reduced to Ashes
Altadena’s roots run deep in Black history. During the Civil Rights Movement, this community offered refuge and opportunity for Black families seeking to escape discriminatory housing policies. By 1970, its Black population had grown to 27%, with a Black homeownership rate of 81.5%—nearly double the national average. Families like that of Kenneth Snowden’s built lives of stability and generational wealth here, only to see their dreams reduced to rubble by the fires.
“Your $40 million home is no different than my $2 million home,” Snowden told reporters. “Give us the ability to rebuild, restart our lives. If you can spend billions of dollars fighting a war, you can spend a billion dollars to help us get back where we were.”
For many residents, this loss goes beyond property. Jamal-Dominique Hopkins, an Altadena native, shared the anguish of losing his childhood home, where his mother, Ruthie Hopkins, narrowly escaped. Ruthie, a former editor and co-owner of The Pasadena Journal, now faces the challenge of rebuilding from scratch at 81.
“This isn’t just a loss for our family; it’s a loss for a community that has thrived despite challenges,” Hopkins wrote in a GoFundMe campaign seeking aid for his family.
Fighting for the Future
Community leaders like Shawn Brown, founder of Pasadena Rosebud Academy, are working tirelessly to rebuild. Brown lost both her home and the public charter school she created to serve the community’s children. She’s urging Black homeowners to resist offers from developers looking to capitalize on the disaster.
“Stand strong, rebuild, and continue the generational progress of African Americans,” Brown emphasized.
But the road ahead is steep. Widespread destruction and rising costs threaten to displace long-standing Black residents. The Rev. George Van Alstine of Altadena Baptist Church, which was also destroyed, fears gentrification will follow in the fire’s wake.
“We’re seeing families who may have to leave because rebuilding here will be too expensive,” he said.
Support from Beyoncé and Beyond
Beyoncé’s donation is part of a growing wave of support to restore hope and stability in Altadena. Other celebrities and organizations are stepping up as well, and Meghan Markle even recently visited. The Spill App has compiled a comprehensive list of affected African American families to coordinate donations and relief efforts.
Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., President and CEO of the NNPA, highlighted the importance of collective action. “The devastating wildfires must be met with resolve, compassion, and resiliency,” he said. “The NNPA stands in solidarity with our community as we navigate this historic challenge.”
Preserving Altadena’s legacy
Altadena’s history is too vital to lose. Even in tragedy, the community’s resilience shines through. From families fighting to rebuild to Beyoncé’s extraordinary generosity, the spirit of this Black stronghold remains unbroken.
“This fire has changed our lives forever,” Hopkins wrote. “But with support, we can restore not just homes, but the heart of our community.”
As Altadena faces one of the costliest disasters in U.S. history, Beyoncé’s $2.5 million pledge is a powerful reminder that we rise by lifting each other.
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