Community Care Is Our Phoenix Rising From The Ashes

“The Lord came down to the mountain in fire.” – Exodus 19:18. 

During the Great Migration, hundreds of Black families fled Jim Crow and relocated to Altadena, California. By 2024, Black families were 81.5% of Altadena’s home owners. 

In the past two weeks, we’ve seen many of these homes go up in flames. In the face of such mass trauma, it’s natural to ask, “How could God let this happen?” 

Altadena’s fires aren’t a reflection of the generations of Black families that have resided there. Nor are they a punishment from God. 

These fires are the result of anti-Black capitalism failing to prioritize community wellness and safety resources, and of ignoring indigenous teachings about land preservation.

We’re all facing the consequence of anti-Black capitalism: climate change. Tragedies like these wildfires are going to continue. 

 Now’s the time to ask God, “How can I be a resource to my community?”

While a GoFundMe directory is circulating to support Black families who have lost their homes to the fires, we can’t stop there. 

It’s time to re-evaluate our community care models, organizing efforts, and even our definition of “resources.” 

We can’t be a resource to our community only when times get hard. Community care is when we treat communal acts of service as sacred. 

How can we consistently be of service to one another? This is where faith is found.