Alyssah Hall
The Brotherhood Crusade established the Wildfire Relief Fund to Aid Altadena Residents in support of families affected by the disastrous Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena.
The initiative provides immediate relief to displaced residents while preserving the historical significance of Altadena’s role as a cultural and community hub for Black families.
“Many residents of Los Angeles County have suffered devastating losses, including loved ones, homes, and businesses, in the wildfires. Over 7,000 homes and businesses have been destroyed in the Altadena and Pasadena areas alone,” stated Charisse Bremond Weaver, president/CEO of Brotherhood Crusade, in a press release.
Altadena has been seen as a “sanctuary” for Black families, offering opportunities for community building and homeownership despite systemic racial barriers. Historically, it has been a symbol of “Black resilience,” a place where families have thrived against adversity, and is a “testament” to the “enduring” fight for equality and opportunity. According to 2024 Census data, 18% of Altadena’s residents identify as Black alone (not counting mixed Black residents).
Altadena’s diversity was influenced during the uproar of social change in the ‘60s and ‘70s. The Civil Rights movement and other national issues of these eras showed up in the Altadena community as neighborhoods carved apart by new freeways, lawsuits over school integration, and redevelopment conflicts in Pasadena.
All of these happenings, along with health concerns related to smog, prompted half of Altadena’s population to leave in a flurry of “white flight,” which lead to newer residents being mainly people of color, according to the Altadena Heritage Community.
Over the decades, Altadena has become culturally diverse, however, the aftermath of Eaton Fire has left many residents struggling with loss and uncertainty, and hoping not to lose the legacy of Altadena as a champion of Black “achievement and resilience.”
The Brotherhood Crusade Wildfire Relief Fund is dedicated to aiding affected residents by providing essential resources for immediate and long-term support, including housing assistance, food and clean water, transportation, and access to medicine and healthcare.
The fund will support long-term recovery efforts by ensuring that Altadena’s “vibrant” identity and cultural legacy are preserved for future generations.
“This fund will remain open now and throughout 2026, allowing us to be responsive to ongoing needs and potential future fires,” Bremond Weaver stated, “We urge the community to join us in making a difference.”
The Brotherhood Crusade calls on individuals, businesses, and organizations to contribute to this vital effort. Donations to the Wildfire Fund to Aid Altadena Residents will directly aid families and support rebuilding efforts in Altadena and Pasadena.
“For 57 years, Brotherhood Crusade has been dedicated to ‘helping people to help themselves,’ and now more than ever, we ask for your support to help us help our people. Your immediate support will provide crucial assistance to families who have lost everything,” Bremond Weaver stated.
Founded in 1968 by Walter Bremond and others from the Los Angeles Black Congress, the Brotherhood Crusade is a grassroots organization that aims to improve the quality of life of underserved and underrepresented individuals.
The Brotherhood Crusade is a minority-owned and operated, full-service, integrated marketing communications agency committed to upholding equity and equality. For over five decades, the organization has provided resources and opportunities for communities of color, focusing on health, education, financial literacy, and community engagement.
To donate, visit www.BrotherhoodCrusade.org or www.bit.ly/AidForAltadena.