The generation that collapsed in a few hours collapsed. When Eaton’s fire erupted on January 7, it swept the scenic community of Altadena and destroyed more than 9,000 houses and buildings. The flame not only consumes property, but also torn the center of the neighborhood, which is rich in historical, culture, and generations.
For many black families, devastation has exceeded the loss of physical houses. It has marked the erasure of wealth of bones for decades.
The 36 -year -old Will Smith III stood in ash, once his family’s house, and was working on overwhelming losses.
“It’s my third time to see it with my own eyes, but it’s still painful,” said his voice.
When Altadena was torn, like Smith’s neighborhood and many other people, the flame took more than just property or people. They have wiped out the tangible heritage of many black families who fought hard to assert and maintain some of the American dreams.
Altadena has a special place in the history of Los Angeles County. During the civil rights era, it was an unusual exception that raised the practice. The black family has provided opportunities to own property when many other communities tighten them out. The housing owner flourished here and turned Altadena into black prosperity and proud beacon.
Kevin Williams, which has been called Altadena for nearly 60 years, remembers the waves of hope that once swept the neighborhood.
“Most of us have come here, because the words that this is a very good place for raising and raising families,” recalls Williams. “Just as the white people have left, all the sudden black people in Los Angeles (Doctors, lawyers) have moved to this area.”
For many years, Altadena residents are eager to rebuild their beloved family at the age of 97 after being destroyed by Eaton Fire. Jonathan Gonzales reported on NBC4 News on February 1, 2025 at 6:00 pm.
The people who bought the house handed their property through generations. Today, more than 80 % of the black residents of Altadena owned their homes. Many people have become tiled RUB due to the fire.
However, even in the face of such a loss, the resilience is shining. On the night of the fire, Smith hurried to save his mother’s house. It was only one mileage from where his own house was lost.
“The last thing I wanted to see was to lose this place,” he said. “There is no way to stop coming here.”
Smith succeeded in odds. His mother’s house is still standing -it is a proof of his family’s determination to protect their history. Smith is facing a long way to rebuild, but he has spurred the promise of continuing to make use of heritage for future generations.
“Getting these houses means the world for us,” he shared. “We want to do the same (for the next generation).”
And despite the ash, one thing remains unwavering. It is the spirit of the community.
“Altadena is not on sale,” Smith proudly. “We don’t go anywhere. We are here.”
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