A Change.org petition is calling for the cancellation of the project.
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Change.org
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Topline:
Reactions from Altadena’s Black community vary over the news that CBS is in talks with “Black-ish” creator Kenya Barris and stand-up comedian Mike Epps to develop a sitcom set in post-fire Altadena.
The context: Altadena has a tight-knit multi-generational Black community, created through a history of segregation and redlining that excluded Black households from other areas of L.A. Over decades, the community was able to establish generational wealth. According to a study from UCLA, Black households were disproportionately affected by the Eaton Fire.
The reaction: Many community members fear the sitcom is in poor taste, while others believe the show could raise awareness to the plight of the community.
Read on… for more about the project and the community reaction.
Anjelika Perry is an artist and community strategist who lives in New Orleans but grew up in Altadena.
It’s been eight months since the devastating Eaton Fire swept through Altadena, burning more than 9,000 structures, including her family’s homes. Recalling the phone call she received from her brother during the fire as he was trying to salvage their family home still brings tears to her eyes.
Courtesy of Anjelika Perry
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The remains of the Perry family home in Altadena after the Eaton Fire.
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“We had cousins that lived a couple of streets over, cousins that lived down the street. We lost all of our homes,” Perry said.
So when she learned that CBS was developing a sitcom with Black-ish creator Kenya Barris and stand-up comedian Mike Epps about brothers in post-fire Altadena, she felt compelled to post on Instagram.
In partnership with the community organization Altadena Rising, Perry posted about the show with the caption, "SOLD… to the highest bidder." As of Sept. 11, the post had more than 5,000 likes and 3,000 shares.
“Why are we sharing a story that is not real about our community when there's so many real stories to share?” Perry told LAist. “And then also the trigger thing for me was, why a comedy when no one that we know of in the community is a part of this project?”
Perry also created a change.org petition demanding the cancellation of the project.
Some are open to the idea of an Altadena sitcom
Nahshon Dion currently lives in the Bronx and she’s also an artist who grew up in Altadena, identifying as a fourth generation Altadenan. Her extended family lost all their homes in the fire.
Nahshon Dion and Courtney Davis in Altadena's Loma Alta Park in 1992.
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Courtesy of Nahshon Dion
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Dion is currently curating an anthology titled Our Beloved Altadena featuring the writing of community residents.
When Dion heard the news about the show, she had a very different reaction to Perry, especially as someone who loved sitcoms as a kid and grew up to work in the entertainment industry.
“ I presume that the production company will likely employ a consultant or consultants from our beloved Altadena,” Dion told LAist. “I presume and surely hope so because that would be the right thing to do.”
Dion added that she hopes some of the proceeds from a show about the community would go back to the community, which is still grappling with the aftermath of the fire.
“Altadena needs a lot of laughter. We're all grieving," Dion said. "And at the same time, this is community healing and Altadena needs a tremendous amount of laughter. And if Kenya Barris and Mike Epps are the two individuals to bring it, let's see it.”
The history of Altadena’s Black community — and Barris’ response
Before the Eaton Fire, Altadena was home to a tight-knit multi-generational Black community, created through a history of segregation and redlining that excluded Black households from other areas of L.A. Many in the community were able to establish generational wealth.
According to a study from UCLA, Black households were disproportionately affected by the Eaton Fire.
After news of the sitcom first broke in Deadline, Barris posted the article to his Instagram. He responded to criticism in his comments with, "I understand your fear but know that I only plan to do the best I can to make sure the world sees you."
He has since taken the post down. Both Barris and CBS have not responded to our request for comment.
