Beneath the Ashes the Past Reimagined

Join us for a powerful documentary screening that tells the story of Altadena's historic African American community and its fight to rebuild after the Eaton Fire.

For generations, Altadena stood as a beacon of hope. While neighboring Pasadena enforced redlining policies that kept Black families from owning homes, Altadena welcomed them with open arms. Here, African American families could finally put down roots, build equity, and pass something meaningful to the next generation.

That legacy—decades in the making—now hangs in the balance.

Beneath the Ashes shares the voices of those who lived it: homeowners who lost everything, renters searching for stability, business owners rebuilding from scratch, and community leaders fighting to preserve what took generations to create. Through intimate conversations and powerful storytelling, the film reveals both the pain of loss and an inspiring vision for what comes next.

You'll hear from community artist Keni Arts, Pastor Thomas Bereal of Abounding Grace Ministries, former Assemblymember and Pasadena Mayor Chris Holden, PUSD School Board Member Patrice Marshall McKenzie, fire survivors Dawn Moore and Rand Vance, Rose and Dennis Robinson (family of Olympic legends Mack and Jackie Robinson), and others who are shaping Altadena's path forward.

Directed by Hrag Yedalian and produced by Brandon Lamar, President of the NAACP Pasadena Branch, this documentary centers the voices that matter most—those of the community itself.

Want a preview? Visit BeneathTheAshes.com to learn more and watch the trailer.

This is more than a film screening—it's a call to witness, remember, and rebuild together. We hope you'll join us.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Project Passion Inc.