The Eaton Fire has ravaged several communities in Los Angeles County, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Among the hardest hit areas is Altadena, a historic Black community that saw an influx of residents in the 1970s following the Fair Housing Act. Residents like Willie Jackson, 81, have lost their homes and irreplaceable possessions, highlighting the devastating impact of the fire on this tight-knit community. Jackson's story underscores the legacy of redlining, which prevented many Black families from accessing loans and purchasing homes in other areas, leading to Altadena's high concentration of Black homeownership.
Several communities across Los Angeles County have been devastated by the deadly Palisades and Eaton fires, including a historic Black community. After the Civil Rights movement in the 1970s and the passage of President Lyndon Johnson's Fair Housing Act, many Black families migrated to Altadena . One such family was that of Willie Jackson, who moved to the beloved LA community during that time. Now, he is among the thousands who have lost everything in the Eaton Fire .
Speaking to FOX 11’s Susan Hirasuna, Jackson sang a gospel song while wearing a hat that read 'God is good all the time,' as a testament to his faith, even with destruction surrounding him and the community he called home for decades. 'I learned to trust in Jesus,' he sang. The 81-year-old not only lost his home but everything of sentimental value that was inside, including pictures of his parents. Due to redlining, he was unable to purchase a home in nearby cities. 'What redlining does is not allow minorities to acquire loans in designated areas,' he explained. 'So, if you can’t get a loan, obviously, you can’t buy the house. And then there were cases when realtors wouldn’t sell you the house.' He was one of the first to move to Altadena, and eventually, the neighborhood became an enclave for African Americans. By some accounts, Altadena has 80% Black homeownership - double the national average. The homes also symbolize the generational wealth that was wiped out in a matter of hours. Rebuilding will take years, and Mr. Jackson may never be able to replace the instruments and studio equipment that allowed him to perform and stream for the Don Darnell Ministries. He’s hoping, at the very least, he can replace his pro-level Yamaha 88 key synthesizer, so he can play again for the congregants
Eaton Fire Altadena Black Community Redlining Generational Wealth
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