The Eaton Fire in January 2025 greatly disrupted life in Altadena and Pasadena with a tragic loss of life, property, community, and safety. As the community begins work to recover and rebuild, BookSwell is sharing information and marshaling resources to aid these efforts.
The WeHo Reads 2025 series was envisioned as an exploration of the potential for literary arts to act as a transformative force in the pursuit of social justice. Our Feb. 26 WeHo Reads event, “Power and Progress During Black History Month,” is a moment to focus on the perspectives and needs of Black communities in Southern California.
Alongside this event, BookSwell and participating writers are highlighting organizations, projects, and funds aiding Eaton fire recovery and relief efforts and encouraging attendees to take action by learning about, amplifying, volunteering, and/or donating to these causes. In January, BookSwell and its founder and executive editor, Cody Sisco, donated $2,500 to the Women Who Submit Fire Fund. Now, we’re expanding our efforts to include additional organizations as described below.
The WeHo Reads: Power and Progress During Black History Month event features Angela M. Frankin, Jenise Miller, Romaine Washington, and Pam Ward. It will also include a performance by and discussion with special guest Reggie Myles, whose family was impacted by the fires and who is working with the Pasadena Black Equity Project, which is a community-based organization that organizes a network of resources for Black Pasadena residents through mutual aid funding, community archiving, and political education.
Special Guest: Reggie Myles
Reggie Myles is a spoken word poetry artist and community organizer from Pasadena, CA. He has performed at local poetry slams and events throughout L.A County and is currently writing his first poetry book. He centers his artistry in writing, exploring, and speaking to the Black experience. Specifically, through themes and concepts of joy, healing, resistance, identity, and love. Above all, Reggie is a wordsmith, invoking the radical imagination, change, and connections in his garden of poems.
Where to Donate for Eaton Fire Recovery
The Pasadena Black Equity Project is a community-based organization that organizes a network of resources for Black Pasadena residents through mutual aid funding, community archiving, and political education.
Libraries United to Help Rebuild Altadena
- The Altadena Library Foundation is partnering with the LA County Library Foundation to support Altadena. Your gift for the LA County Library Foundation and the Altadena Library Foundation will fulfill crucial needs for the children, teens, and adults whose lives have been upended by the fires.
Pasadena Community Foundation Eaton Fire Relief & Recovery Fund
- The Pasadena Community Foundation is committed to collaborating with residents and key stakeholders in the immediate relief, mid-term stabilization, and the long-term recovery and rebuilding of Altadena.
