We all we got!
For the last week, the world has watched in horror as wildfires ravaged Southern Los Angeles. Severe droughts and high winds in the region created a recipe for disaster, with more than 40,000 acres in California burned, including the Pacific Palisades fire west of Los Angeles, the Eaton fire near Altadena, and the Hurst fire near Sylmar, USA Today reports. In comparison, Manhattan is about 14,500 acres, so the devastation is unconscionable, with more than 12,000 homes, schools, and businesses completely destroyed.
Many celebrities took to social media to share how the fires had impacted them. Jhene Aiko, Bozoma Saint John, and Tina Knowles all shared that their homes had been completely burnt to the ground. With criticism for the catastrophe mounting and many calling out insurance companies who had canceled policies or removed fire coverage in recent months, communities began mobilizing to help their own.
One community in particular that was severely impacted by the Eaton fire was Altadena, a neighborhood just north of Pasadena that was one of the first middle-class neighborhoods for Black families in California. The area was completely decimated, and many Black residents, who had lived there for generations, lost everything in the fire. While news coverage amplified the devastation for many notable figures, it seemed as though Black families who had also been displaced were all but forgotten.
But when mainstream news stepped out, Black media stepped in. Afropunk, Essence, Spill, and WalkGood LA teamed up, putting out a community call for funding to help Black families impacted by the fires rebuild. It all started just three days ago when Afropunk collaborated with writers Cierra Black and Leslie Vargas to create a list of GoFundMe campaigns from Black individuals and families impacted by the LA fires, specifically in the communities of Altadena and Pasadena. With a growing list of 200 families in need, Afropunk called on the community to “donate what they can and share these campaigns,” doubling down on the call to action of helping the community rebuild.
It took off and expanded, helping families little by little reach their goal, with other platforms joining in to amplify the message, asking those in need to submit their GoFundMe links via email so they can be helped. WalkGood LA, a wellness-focused nonprofit in Los Angeles, founded by Etienne Maurice, son of famed actress Sheryl Lee Ralph, also sprung into action, turning their WalkGood Yard location into a donation center for those in need, offering gift cards, clothing, groceries, home essentials, and health and hygiene items.
“LA, we remain unbroken. Our spirits are high, and we are ready to continue serving the communities as we head into a new week…We got kids basketballs to play with. We got people their socks. We got people their pet supplies. We got people their gift cards, giving them agency to choose what they need. Our doors are open, so please come through and we will take care of you,” the org captioned a post via social media.
Meanwhile, the team continued to push the mutual aid form, sharing historical information about the community of Altadena and personal stories from families impacted. The list continued to swell, with nearly 400 families added. Meanwhile, the Black media group continued to create resource directories for those in need, including lists of evacuation shelters, animal shelters, and supply centers. So far, the response has been overwhelming, and the community has shown up and shown out. Together, they raised $8 million, supporting 448 families and counting as of Monday afternoon. Proof that no matter what, we all we got.
“Community aid works! Thank you to each and everyone of you for showing up for our community. Let’s continue to help our communities rebuild,” Afropunk captioned a post about the ongoing aid efforts.
In addition to these massive efforts, other notable figures have also stepped in to do what they can. Filmmaker Ava DuVernay shared funding campaigns for colleagues close to her displaced by the fires, including actor Henry Sanders from Queen Sugar. Beyoncé’s BeyGood Foundation also donated $2.5 million to relief efforts, earmarking aid to families in Altadena, Pasadena, and funds for churches and community centers. Despite the tragedy, Los Angeles is more united than ever and determined to persevere.
If you or a family you know is in need of financial assistance, please submit your GoFundMe campaigns to communityaiddena@gmail.com. To donate, follow @Afropunk on Instagram and hit the link in their bio for a complete list of families in need. Any amount helps.
Our prayers are with all of those impacted in Los Angeles. Together, you will rebuild!
Cover photo: Black Media Team Up to Fundraise $8M for Black Families Impacted by L.A. Wildfires/Photo credit: Los Angeles Fire Department/WalkGood LA/Instagram