Our Beloved Altadena: Voices from the Aftermath of the Eaton Canyon Wildfire, Vol. 1 is a community-driven anthology documenting personal stories, historical memory, and cultural resilience in the aftermath of the devastating January 2025 Eaton Canyon wildfire.
Curated by writer, editor, and filmmaker Nahshon Dion, the project brings together longtime residents, survivors, first responders, local leaders, activists, college students, writers, journalists, artists, historians, organizers, and legacy institutions. The collection includes speeches, reflections, poetry, letters, essays, blog posts, and newsletter articles reflecting Altadena’s rich and diverse history, multigenerational migration stories, and recovery.
The project was inspired by post-fire interviews in which a former classmate, Donny Kincey, shared that his ancestors had been burned out of Tulsa in 1921 before relocating to Altadena. That history — echoing across generations — revealed how deeply connected this moment is to a longer legacy of displacement and rebuilding.
Like many families, mine is part of that history. My grandfather, Obzine Scott, purchased his home on Neldome Avenue in 1960. Though I understood redlining, I only recently grasped how directly it shaped our path and property ownership in Altadena. These stories connect our town to the broader American narrative of migration, land, and resilience.
With dozens of confirmed contributors and more than 50 submissions already received, the first volume will feature up to 60 voices. It preserves the stories of those often excluded from traditional archives — elders, displaced families, artists, and people with disabilities — whose lived experiences are essential to understanding Altadena’s past and future.
Last January, John Muir High School coach Zaire Calvin lost his sister, Evelyn McClendon, and five properties near the foothills. When I offered my condolences and shared that I had also lost my sister, Shennea, in a fire two decades ago, he immediately agreed to contribute an essay. His support affirmed the purpose of this work.
Artist Lorinda Hawk was among the first to submit. After Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger contributed her essay, her communications representative, Helen Chavez, wrote, “I can’t wait to see your anthology once it’s published. I will be among the first to head to the bookstore to buy it.”
More than a record of a wildfire, Our Beloved Altadena documents a century-long lineage of migration, rebuilding, Black land stewardship, and intergenerational resilience. As the spotlight fades from Altadena and recovery and rebuilding progress, I hope to bring continued visibility to the community — to raise awareness, honor its history, and uplift its people.
I also hope the anthology offers comfort to those healing, pride to the community, and strength for future generations.
None of this would be possible without the trust and generosity of the community. Thank you.
PRESS:
“This Is How I Help”: Nahshon Dion Gathers Altadena’s Stories After the Fire
‘Our Beloved Altadena’: Voices from the aftermath of the Eaton Wildfire, 1 year later
Curated by writer, editor, and filmmaker Nahshon Dion, the project brings together longtime residents, survivors, first responders, local leaders, activists, college students, writers, journalists, artists, historians, organizers, and legacy institutions. The collection includes speeches, reflections, poetry, letters, essays, blog posts, and newsletter articles reflecting Altadena’s rich and diverse history, multigenerational migration stories, and recovery.
The project was inspired by post-fire interviews in which a former classmate, Donny Kincey, shared that his ancestors had been burned out of Tulsa in 1921 before relocating to Altadena. That history — echoing across generations — revealed how deeply connected this moment is to a longer legacy of displacement and rebuilding.
Like many families, mine is part of that history. My grandfather, Obzine Scott, purchased his home on Neldome Avenue in 1960. Though I understood redlining, I only recently grasped how directly it shaped our path and property ownership in Altadena. These stories connect our town to the broader American narrative of migration, land, and resilience.
With dozens of confirmed contributors and more than 50 submissions already received, the first volume will feature up to 60 voices. It preserves the stories of those often excluded from traditional archives — elders, displaced families, artists, and people with disabilities — whose lived experiences are essential to understanding Altadena’s past and future.
Last January, John Muir High School coach Zaire Calvin lost his sister, Evelyn McClendon, and five properties near the foothills. When I offered my condolences and shared that I had also lost my sister, Shennea, in a fire two decades ago, he immediately agreed to contribute an essay. His support affirmed the purpose of this work.
Artist Lorinda Hawk was among the first to submit. After Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger contributed her essay, her communications representative, Helen Chavez, wrote, “I can’t wait to see your anthology once it’s published. I will be among the first to head to the bookstore to buy it.”
More than a record of a wildfire, Our Beloved Altadena documents a century-long lineage of migration, rebuilding, Black land stewardship, and intergenerational resilience. As the spotlight fades from Altadena and recovery and rebuilding progress, I hope to bring continued visibility to the community — to raise awareness, honor its history, and uplift its people.
I also hope the anthology offers comfort to those healing, pride to the community, and strength for future generations.
None of this would be possible without the trust and generosity of the community. Thank you.
PRESS:
“This Is How I Help”: Nahshon Dion Gathers Altadena’s Stories After the Fire
‘Our Beloved Altadena’: Voices from the aftermath of the Eaton Wildfire, 1 year later