*In the wake of the catastrophic wildfires that have swept through Southern California, leaving communities devastated and grieving, Rev. Al Sharpton is set to lead a memorial service and rally dedicated to the victims.
This significant gathering will take place Thursday (02-06-25) at the First AME Church in Pasadena, uniting family members of those lost in the fires with community leaders and advocates.
“The wildfires scourging Los Angeles these last few weeks have been a devastating humanitarian and natural disaster,” stated Rev. Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network (NAN). “People have lost their homes, their memories, and ultimately their lives to this devastation, while some have sought to use this horrific event to score political points. This Thursday, I will join with Attorney Ben Crump to bring the community together to mourn those we have lost and galvanize them to recover, restore, and rebuild.”
The wildfires, particularly the Eaton, Pasadena, and Palisades fires that ignited on January 7, have claimed at least 29 lives and destroyed over 6,000 homes, ravaging tens of thousands of acres in the process. The Eaton Fire specifically affected the predominantly Black community of Altadena, causing irreparable harm to an already vulnerable area that has seen a significant loss of generational wealth. Recent data from UCLA indicates the alarming toll, with 48% of Black households losing their homes compared to 37% of non-Black households in the past three weeks.
The memorial service on Thursday, February 6, 2025, will not only serve as a remembrance for victims like Evelyn McClendon, Erliene Kelley, and Rodney Nickerson, but it will also aim to bring awareness to the disproportionate impact these wildfires have had on Black communities. Rev. Sharpton will be joined by Attorney Ben Crump, who is representing the families of several victims, as well as Pastor Larry E. Campbell, reinforcing the call for community solidarity in this time of grief.
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The tragic events underscore the need for action and support for affected communities. As Rev. Sharpton noted, this is a pivotal moment to come together, advocate for recovery efforts, and raise awareness about the systemic issues that exacerbate the vulnerabilities of marginalized populations during such disasters.
The rally promises to be a powerful testament to resilience in the face of tragedy, emphasizing the importance of community and collective action in overcoming such devastating challenges. As the National Action Network continues to fight for civil rights and equality, this event will serve as both a memorial and a rallying point for future advocacy.
For those looking to join the memorial and rally, doors will open at 10:30 a.m. PST, with services commencing at 11 a.m. PST at the First AME Church, located at 1700 N. Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103. This event represents not only a moment of mourning but also a call to action for the affected communities and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equal opportunities for all. For more information, visit www.nationalactionnetwork.net.
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