Activism
Leaders and Advocates Host Eaton Fire Summit Focused on Supporting Black Elders
“We want people that could help … to step up,” said Kennedy. “I’m asking people to step up in a way where you talk to people, like myself, and the people that I deal with, so that your money will live beyond the Eaton fire.”
Solomon O. Smith, California Black Media
Dozens of community service organizations, local leaders, advocates, and survivors gathered on Aug. 2 at the Pasadena Hilton for the Eaton Fire Senior Summit.
Titled “Rebuilding with Resilience,” the event was held to support seniors whose homes were lost or damaged in the Eaton Fire, which burned more than 14,000 acres and destroyed 9,418 structures in Altadena and Pasadena.
The summit was organized by Lena L. Kennedy, CEO of Community Women Vital Voices, a Pasadena native with deep roots in the city. With help from her daughter, granddaughter, and a team of volunteers, Kennedy brought together faith groups, nonprofits, and government agencies at the local, state, and federal levels.
L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Congresswoman Judy Chu (D-CA-28), Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo, and Pasadena City Councilmember Tyron Hampton delivered updates to constituents during the luncheon.
“We want people that could help … to step up,” said Kennedy. “I’m asking people to step up in a way where you talk to people, like myself, and the people that I deal with, so that your money will live beyond the Eaton fire.”
The day included workshops on rebuilding, state regulations, taxes, soil and water testing, modular homes, and financial assistance. Organizations such as Catholic Charities of California, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the DENA Forward Alliance hosted booths offering on-the-spot resources.
“Seniors were disproportionately impacted by this fire, especially up in Altadena, and it’s important for us to give them hope, because it is overwhelming,” said Barger. “So, summits like this are important to not only gather the facts and to make decisions, but also it’s a chance to be amongst others.”
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors governs unincorporated areas such as Altadena. Barger’s Fifth District includes both Altadena and Pasadena — collectively referred to by locals as “DENA.”
She acknowledged that much work remains and said she is collaborating with city and state officials to rebuild infrastructure that will support the new homes and buildings envisioned for the area. For those unable to attend the summit, Barger recommended accessing services at the Altadena Community Center, which has been designated as a fire survivor hub.
Organizers said the summit was also intended to remind those affected by the fire — especially residents in unincorporated Altadena — that they are not alone.
Hampton, a well-known and respected figure in the community, was warmly greeted as he walked through the concourse, shaking hands and consoling seniors.
One of those seniors was Dianne Lewis.
Lewis was able to get assistance and advice on updating her living will. Like many others who lost their homes, she is overwhelmed—rebuilding her life, coping with grief, and continuing to run the Alkebu-lan Cultural Center, one of the few Black cultural institutions in the Valley. She is also a strong advocate for Black elders. Last year, she traveled with Chu to Washington, D.C., to advocate for Black Altadena homeowners.
“I lost my will. They’re going to redo it for me. My living trust — they’re going to redo it for me. That’s something I don’t have to worry about,” said Lewis. “To see my colleagues and people that I work with in the community here, together, is positive.”
The next Eaton Fire Senior Summit will be held on Dec. 13.
