The recent wildfires in Altadena devastated Black families, erasing homes and history, while residents strive to rebuild their lives and community.
He described it as a place where families could thrive, saying, “It was just a comfortable place where we were able to raise generations of families.” His family lived close together, creating a tight-knit community.
Sadly, last week, the deadly California wildfires changed everything. McGrue’s family lost four homes, and nine relatives had to find shelter in a local AirBnB. They spent the weekend sorting through donations and figuring out how to start over. The cost of repairs is a heavy burden on Altadena’s Black community and threatens their rich history.
Altadena has been a refuge for Black families since the 1960s and 70s, especially when redlining made it hard for them to buy homes elsewhere. Between 1960 and 1970, Black homeownership jumped from 4% to 27%. Today, 81% of Black residents own their homes, which is nearly double the national average.
But the Eaton fire has hit Altadena hard, burning thousands of homes. As of Friday, over 14,000 acres were scorched, and 7,000 structures were damaged. Tragically, at least 16 lives were lost, including several from Altadena.
The fire’s destruction means many Black families have lost their homes, which were vital for building generational wealth. Black residents made up 18% of Altadena’s population, down from 30% in 2000, but many still call the town home. Jacqueline Charles, 72, who lost her home, expressed disbelief at the devastation, saying it looked like a war zone.
Many homes that were lost had been passed down through generations. Charles lived in a house her father bought, a place she had hoped to spend her final days. Historically, Black Americans have faced challenges in building wealth through homeownership due to discriminatory practices.
Altadena’s high rate of Black homeownership was unique, allowing families to create wealth. Julian Perry, 45, who lost his mother’s home, reflected on how hard their parents fought to own property.
People moved to Altadena for various reasons, including those pushed out of Pasadena due to redevelopment. Some, like Charles’s family, came from Georgia and Florida in the 1960s. Notable Black figures, like author Octavia Butler and actor Sidney Poitier, also lived in Altadena.
Evacuating from the fire was traumatic for many residents, especially those with mobility issues. Neighbors alerted each other to evacuate, as official notifications were lacking. Many had to escape through thick smoke and downed trees. Taylor Williams, 31, described the fire as throwing grapefruit-sized embers.
Despite the danger, some residents tried to save their homes. Taylor and her father returned to fight the flames but found their backyard engulfed. As firefighters work to control the blaze, residents are assessing their losses, including historic Black sites.
For those who lost everything, personal history is gone. Charles lamented losing her husband’s wedding ring and family photos. The Perrys lost heirlooms that represented their legacy.
Yet, there’s a strong desire to rebuild. Many have started GoFundMe campaigns and are seeking insurance. The NAACP has even filed a lawsuit to protect Black homeowners from opportunistic developers.
Rebuilding is about more than just homes; it’s about preserving a legacy. McGrue’s family wants to create even more generational wealth for future generations. They’re committed to keeping their roots in Altadena, emphasizing the importance of maintaining their community.
