Black Elders: Leaders and Advocates Come Together at Eaton Fire Summit

On August 2, numerous community service groups, local leaders, supporters, and survivors convened at Pasadena Hilton for the Eaton Fire Senior Summit. Under the theme “Rebuilding with Resilience,” the gathering aimed to assist seniors affected by the Eaton Fire, which ravaged over 14,000 acres and obliterated 9,418 structures in Altadena and Pasadena.Lena L. Kennedy, the summit's organizer and CEO of Community Women Vital Voices, played a crucial role, enlisting her family and devoted volunteers to unite faith organizations, nonprofits, and governmental bodies.During the luncheon, attendees, including L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Congresswoman Judy Chu, provided vital updates. Kennedy expressed her hope that the event would spur community engagement, emphasizing the necessity for support and connection.The summit featured workshops covering various topics, including rebuilding and financial assistance, while local organizations offered immediate resources. Organizers aimed to assure residents, especially those in unincorporated Altadena, they are not alone in their recovery journey.