Bishop Francine A. Brookins, center, stands with other AME bishops before embarking on a tour of Altadena. (E. Mesiyah McGinnis/L.A. Sentinel)

With more than 100 members affected and four churches damaged, several bishops of the international African Methodist Episcopal denomination joined community leaders and elected officials to witness first-hand the destruction caused by the Eaton fire.

The bishops’ tour of Altadena and Pasadena on Jan. 24, was spearheaded by the Right Rev. Francine A. Brookins, presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District of the AME Church, which encompasses California along with 14 other states west of the Mississippi River.

The group views the destruction caused by the Eaton fire. (E. Mesiyah McGinnis/L.A. Sentinel)

Brookins and her colleagues were already in Southern California for a scheduled meeting.  Upon learning of the impact upon the broader community as well as AME membership, the church leaders took immediate action to launch strategies to assist the victims.

“We are liberating at reconciling community, and we don’t see our members as just people who are on our roads. We see our members as the people we live next to, the people we do groceries with, and the people who are not even people who follow Jesus,” Brookins said.

Many homes and structures in Altadena were demolished by the fire. (E. Mesiyah McGinnis/L.A. Sentinel)

“We just see you as neighbors as human beings, and so we are concerned, and the African American Episcopal church throughout its 20 districts, stands with this church and with this community.”

Altadena, located in the San Gabriel Valley, is a minority-majority town with a diverse racial makeup. Blacks or African Americans represent 18% of the population. The tour gave the group an unfiltered view of the damage and devastation endured by a community of African Americans who share rich in their rich culture, history, and legacy, all lost within moments.

Entire blocks were obliterated by the Eaton fire. (E. Mesiyah McGinnis/L.A. Sentinel)

The AME denomination was significantly affected with two members of the denomination perishing in the fire and 125 members losing homes. At First AME – Pasadena, 105 members were impacted by the loss of 65 homes.

Brown Memorial AME – Pasadena reported that three homes were lost, affecting five members of their church.  In Los Angeles, Ward AME had five members lose three homes and First AME saw 10 members lose four homes. The two people who died were also members of First AME – Los Angeles.

Commenting on the fire’s wreckage, County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said, “The devastation is unquestionable; the impact it’s had on people’s lives. I’m talking to people whose family home is gone.”

NAACP Pasadena President Brandon Lamar noted, ““These are not just homes. These are generational homes. This is generational wealth, and they are gone. So, we must make sure that we come together as a community and make sure that every house, and I mean every house, is rebuilt into the capacity that we will be here for generations to come.”

Everyone in attendance nodded in agreement with Lamar’s statement about rebuilding and pledged to join in the effort.

“Altadena was a dream community for a season It was intentional about bringing all backgrounds and all things together as a family.  And so, we’re standing to say your family is bigger and we are with you and we’re going to help you with this family,” declared Bishop Brookins.

Barger insisted, “Our community stands strong. It’s all about Altadena Pasadena.  We are all in this together.”

Reflecting the viewpoint of residents, community activist and business owner Lena Louise Kennedy flatly stated, “In the wake of the Eaton Fire, we stand united, determined to rebuild not only our homes but the very fabric of our community. Together, we will restore our heritage, uplift our voices, and emerge stronger than ever.

“This is not just a recovery; it is a revival of hope, resilience, and unity within the Black community. I urge donors, foundations, corporations, and elected officials to include us in the decision-making process. While you may have the resources, we have the vision and insight. Let us work together for a brighter future!”

 

Following the tour, the bishops and community leaders held a press conference at First AME Church in Pasadena.