Ep. 31 How Do We Prevent Erasure of Altadena's Black Community?

For this episode, Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson honors the Black history and Legacy of the Altadena Community in Los Angeles County.

How and why did Black families move to Altadena, what challenges have they overcome to keep their place in it, and how do we prevent the erasure of their stories and history especially as we rebuild after the unprecedented wildfires that devastated Eaton Canyon and the foothill communities?

Guests:

Donald "Donny" Kincey

Donny Kincy is a third-generation Altadena resident with deep familial and historical ties to the community. As a dedicated historian and advocate, he works tirelessly to preserve the rich legacy of Altadena’s Black residents, ensuring their stories and contributions are recognized and remembered.

Donny has been instrumental in initiatives documenting Black migration to Altadena, addressing displacement, and celebrating the cultural impact of Black families in the area. His work extends to community resilience efforts, most recently supporting recovery and rebuilding for families affected by the devastating wildfires in Altadena.

With a passion for storytelling, preservation and activism, Donny remains a vital voice in the ongoing conversation about Black history, identity, and belonging in Altadena.

www.gofundme.com/f/help-mr-donny-rebuild-after-the-eaton-wildfires

Dana Amihere

Dana Amihere is a designer, developer and data journalist. She’s the founder and executive director of AfroLA, a nonprofit newsroom covering Los Angeles through the lens of the Black community. She’s committed to solutions reporting that centers racial and social justice, especially through data-driven storytelling. Amihere also owns Code Black Media, a digital media consultancy that lives at the intersection of data, design and equity. Previously, she worked in data, interactive design and news apps for LAist, The Dallas Morning News, Pew Research Center and The Baltimore Sun. 

Amihere has taught data journalism and interaction design for nearly a decade, including positions with University of Southern California, and most recently, UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism.

www.AfroLANews.com

Community Announcements

Free Employment Transition Services:

City of Los Angeles’ Rapid Response Team is offering free employment transition services to connect those who lost their jobs due to the LA Wildfires with job opportunities, unemployment benefits, health care, and job training.

Orientations are available in English and Spanish, Monday through Friday at 10 AM and 6 PM, and Saturdays at 10 AM.

Register now at bit.ly/EWDDRapid-Response or visit your nearest WorkSource Center.

Disaster Cal-Fresh (SNAP)

Cal-Fresh provides one month of food benefits to households affected by natural disasters

Visit getcalfresh.org/d-snap for details.

LA Black History Month Festival

What: Live performances, an African marketplace, and important conversations about health, wellness, and culture

When: Sunday, February 23rd, from 11 AM to 6 PM

Where: Pan Pacific Park 7600 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

www.lablackhistorymonthfestival.com

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