Altadena's Legacy, Resilience, and Black Community

As many families and community members continue to heal and process the losses caused by the recent series of Los Angeles fires there have been questions about the rich Black History of the Altadena area. As we reflect on the vibrant history of Altadena, California we can not help but make comparisons to Tulsa's Black Wall Street. I am De'Von Truvel, the creator of Black Wall Street the Board Game, and based on community feedback I want to highlight some of the profound African American legacy of Altadena.

Altadena has long been a hub for Black-owned businesses that echo the spirit of Tulsa's Black Wall Street. These enterprises, ranging from local diners like the beloved "Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles" to unique service providers such as "Webb’s Barbershop," have not only served the community but have also empowered it economically. Comment on this blog other notable or small black-owned businesses in the Altadena community.

The Altadena community has also been shaped by influential figures such as Octavia E. Butler, the pioneering Black Science Fiction and Afrofuturism writer who spent her life in Altadena. Her visionary work broke barriers in a genre traditionally dominated by white males, much like the trailblazers of Greenwood who carved out a prosperous enclave in an era of intense racial segregation. Octavia Bulter has written books like "Kindred", "Parable of the Sower", and other works that force your imagination to blossom. Search your local bookstore for an Octavia Butler book today.

Altadena's rich tapestry is further decorated by its cultural events that celebrate Black heritage, similar to the cultural vitality that once thrived in Greenwood. The annual Juneteenth celebrations at Charles White Park, for instance, not only commemorate emancipation but also reinforce the community's ongoing commitment to freedom and equality. 

Altadena, CA has a rich history of activism and civil rights leadership, with several  figures contributing significantly to the fight for equality and justice. Let's start with Ellen Garrison Clark who is a lesser-known but equally formidable civil rights activist from Altadena. Born just after the abolition of slavery, Clark was a teacher and an early civil rights pioneer who engaged in the struggle against segregation in the post-Civil War era. In the 1870s, she challenged segregation in public facilities in Maryland, a precursor to the more widespread civil rights movements that would follow decades later. Her efforts, though not as widely recognized, were crucial in the early fight for equal rights and provide an inspiring story of bravery and advocacy in Altadena’s rich history of civil rights.

Another influential figure is Rodney King, whose brutal beating by the Los Angeles Police Department in 1991, captured on videotape, sparked outrage and led to the infamous Los Angeles riots. Although not an activist in the traditional sense, King's case highlighted systemic racial injustices in law enforcement and prompted significant dialogue and reform in policing practices nationwide. King was born in Sacramento but was raised in Altadena along with his four siblings.

Last but not least we want to highlight Charles White, an artist renowned for his powerful depictions of African American life, lived in Altadena during the later part of his career. White's work, which includes murals, paintings, and drawings, powerfully addresses social issues and racial identity, and his pieces often celebrated the strength and beauty of the Black experience. His art continues to inspire and educate on themes of justice and equality, with many pieces displayed in major museums and galleries around the country.

Who is an Altadena Leader that we missed?

Recently, the fires in California have brought significant devastation to the Palisades, Altadena, and Greater Los Angeles communities impacting lives and livelihoods. As we mourn the loss and damage, it is crucial to recognize the legacy of strength and resilience. Just as Greenwood rose from the ashes of the 1921 massacre, so too will we. The spirit of rebuilding is ingrained in our very fabric, we are driven by a history of overcoming adversity.

If you know families or businesses impacted by the recent fires share with them our "We Will Rebuild" campaign. This campaign will help families raise some of the money and donations needed to rebuild while sharing the modern-day stories of Altadena and other communities.

Use this link to provide feedback on how Play Black Wall Street should continue to support during this time. Also use this link if you have been directly impacted by the fires and would like help sharing your donation campaign with more supporters.

https://forms.gle/VH7se4F3vVAwZKnD8

We Will Rebuild!