Rev. Al Sharpton visits Altadena and leads memorial for Eaton Fire victims

PublishedFebruary 8, 2025

Altadena, CA– A powerful memorial service held recently in Pasadena drew together community leaders, loved ones, and advocates to honor victims of the devastating Eaton Fire. Among the attendees was Rev. Al Sharpton, who called on local leaders to offer support to Altadena’s historic Black neighborhoods, which were severely impacted by the disaster.

At the heart of the service was the emotional message from Eric Nickerson, who spoke about the tragic loss of his father, 83-year-old Rodney Nickerson, a revered engineer and veteran. Rodney’s grandfather founded Nickerson Gardens, the largest public housing community in Los Angeles. Eric expressed his commitment to unity and mutual support, saying,

“We are here to unite as one. We will walk side-by-side. We will not walk behind each other. If someone needs to be pulled up, this is the time to do it.”

The powerful words came in the wake of a UCLA study revealing the disproportionate impact the fire had on Altadena’s Black community. According to the report, 61% of Black households in the area were within the fire’s perimeter, with nearly half of those homes either destroyed or heavily damaged. The research further highlighted the ongoing legacy of segregation and redlining practices, which have left these communities particularly vulnerable to disasters.

Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton, who led the memorial, voiced his strong stance on the need for immediate restoration.

“These families need to be restored and there should not be bias between how you handle one side of victims and the other,” Sharpton stated. “They do not need to be replaced or displaced. They need to be back in their homes as it is.” His comments echoed the community’s demand for fairness and equal treatment in the aftermath of the tragedy.

During the service, loved ones of the deceased shared their heartache and gratitude. Zaire Calvin, who lost his 59-year-old sister Evelyn McClendon in the fire, expressed his deep appreciation for the support the family has received. Calvin recounted how he was evacuating his baby and elderly mother when he became separated from his sister, who lived next door. Tragically, he and his cousin later discovered her remains among the rubble. Calvin shared a heartfelt message to the community, saying,

“Everybody who’s reached out and sent love, believe me, I heard you. I appreciate you. I’m listening and I love you guys all.”

Calvin spoke of his sister’s deep faith and her commitment to honoring God through her life. “I want to make sure my sister is honored the way she wanted to be honored,” he said. “She was a devout Christian who believed in Jesus Christ and praised and worshipped with her online community.”

The memorial was a somber yet hopeful gathering, with leaders and community members coming together to stand in solidarity. The call for justice and restoration for the families affected by the fire continues to resonate, with many pushing for the rebuilding of Altadena’s historic neighborhoods and for victims to receive the support they truly need.

As the community grapples with the loss and devastation, the message of unity and collective responsibility is clear.