Emily Witt, a staff writer at The New Yorker, has been on the front lines of the Los Angeles wildfires, delving into the stories of families like the Benns, who have lived in Altadena for generations. She discusses the emotional toll of the Eaton fire and the vital role of community in times of crisis. Witt reflects on her interview with Mayor Karen Bass and the work of author Octavia Butler, emphasizing the significance of on-the-ground reporting. Their conversation sheds light on Los Angeles's future while honoring the resilience of those affected.
Emily Witt highlights the profound emotional and physical toll of the wildfires on the Benn family and their community ties.
The importance of community resilience and support is emphasized as families like the Benns navigate their collective recovery from loss.
The wildfires spark critical discussions on socio-political issues, including housing inequality and the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness.
Deep dives
The Impact of the Wildfires
The wildfires in Los Angeles have caused devastating loss, contributing to the death of at least 27 people and displacing thousands more. An estimated 12,000 structures have been reduced to ashes, including the home of Emily Witt's brother in Altadena. Witt's latest article highlights the experience of families, particularly the Benn family, who have faced the destruction of their homes and the uncertain future that lies ahead. The emotional and physical toll on these families reflects the broader impact of the crisis in the community, emphasizing not just the loss of property but the devastating effect on community ties.
Historical Significance of Altadena's Black Community
Altadena is home to a historically significant Black community that has thrived for decades, with many families establishing roots in the area since the late 1950s. The Benn family, part of this vibrant community, has experienced a profound loss not only of their material possessions but of their long-standing connections and networks. Witt describes how these families created generational wealth and solid community bonds in an area that has been largely overlooked. Their narrative is intertwined with the larger historical context of the second Great Migration and the establishment of Black neighborhoods in Los Angeles.
The Loss of Community and Heritage
The Bennett family’s ordeal underscores a devastating shift in their social world, as the loss of their home signifies a fracture in their deep-rooted community bonds. Witt explains that beyond material losses, the fires have disrupted familial connections that have existed for generations, creating a sense of uncertainty and loss that is difficult to quantify. Family matriarch Marie Benn's home served as a hub for support, care, and tradition, illustrating how families relied on each other for emotional and practical support through life’s challenges. With everything lost, the potential scattering of the family threatens to unravel the social tapestry they have woven for decades.
Community Resilience and Faith
Amid the chaos and destruction, the Benn family and their community are exhibiting remarkable resilience, guided by their faith and communal support. Witt notes that even amidst loss, the church and community gatherings provide emotional solace and encouragement to look toward the future. Instances of musical expression, such as the Benn family performing at their church service, highlight how they maintain a sense of hope and connection even in the face of grueling challenges. The prevalent message of faith within the community indicates an enduring spirit of perseverance as they navigate this painful chapter together.
Broader Conversations on Inequality and Justice
The wildfires have sparked broader discussions about socio-political issues such as housing inequality, insufficient infrastructure, and climate change. Witt's conversations with community members point to frustrations over systemic neglect, yet many focus on immediate needs rather than blame. The aftermath of the fires has illuminated the stark differences in disaster preparedness and response, particularly affecting marginalized communities. As families begin to rebuild, the conversation extends beyond personal recovery to the preservation of cultural heritage and community resilience, calling for a reevaluation of policies affecting their future.
Writer Emily Witt (“Health and Safety: A Breakdown”) has spent the past two weeks on the ground covering the Los Angeles wildfires for The New Yorker.
Her latest story centers around the Benns (5:39), a multigenerational Black family with deep ties to Altadena (8:35), where they’ve raised children in homes they’ve owned dating back to the late 1950s (16:13). We discuss how they’re managing as the Eaton fire continues to rage (17:00), the value of community in crisis (18:40), and the measures the city was urged to take to mitigate this disaster (23:28).
On the back half, Witt reflects on her 2023 interview with Mayor Karen Bass (32:40), the prophetic work of Altadena author Octavia Butler (39:28), how on-the-ground reporting offers a chance to “write a first draft of history” (46:30), and where Los Angeles goes from here (56:10).
To help support the Benn family, visit their GoFundMe or text “Talk” to 858-358-5881.