“Beneath the Ashes: The Past Reimagined” is a feature-length documentary examining the Eaton Fire’s devastating impact on Altadena’s African American community while illuminating a powerful vision for its future.

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For Black families across America, systemic racism and discriminatory housing practices were longstanding realities. By the mid-20th century, the City of Pasadena enforced redlining policies that restricted African Americans from owning homes, pushing many into the city’s northwest corner. In contrast—and to the relief of many—the neighboring community of Altadena earned a reputation for inclusivity and opportunity, becoming a place where Black families could achieve homeownership and build lasting roots. Over generations, this led to the creation of a thriving Black community and the transfer of generational wealth. Today, that legacy is under threat as the Eaton Fire has placed this hard-earned stability in jeopardy.

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“Beneath the Ashes” tells this urgent story through firsthand accounts from those most affected—Black homeowners, renters, business owners, pastors, and community leaders. Directed by Hrag Yedalian and produced by Brandon D. Lamar, President of the NAACP Pasadena Branch, the documentary features interviews with:

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• Keni Arts, Community Artist

• Pastor Thomas Bereal, Abounding Grace Ministries

• Emeka Chukwurah, Owner, Rhythms of the Village

• Chris Holden, Former State Legislator and Pasadena Mayor

• Patrice Marshall McKenzie, Pasadena School Board Member

• Dawn Moore, Lifelong Altadena Resident

• Dennis Robinson, Grandson of Olympian Mack Robinson

• Rose Robinson, Daughter of Mack Robinson and Niece of Jackie Robinson

• Jasmin Shupper, Founder, Greenline Housing Project

• Rand Vance, Lifelong Altadena Resident

• John Williams, Executive Director, The Center for Restorative Justice