TOGETHER WE RISE:
ASHES TO ANTHEMS festival AND RESOURCE FAIR
On April 26, the Altadena community and friends of Altadena gathered for the first annual Ashes to Anthems Festival & Resource Fair at Memorial Park in Pasadena. National and local performing artists and organizations took the stage and stood with the Altadena community as thousands gathered throughout the day of all ages.
Direct resources were provided to support:
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Short term housing assistance
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Insurance and legal support
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Policy Advocacy
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Mental health and emotional wellbeing
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Immediate relief services
The alliance of partners who produced the festival are continuing to support families and are dedicated to raising awareness and directing philanthropic resources to those who need it the most.
With its original vision inspired by Victory Bible Church leadership to bring hope, joy and love to Altadena residents, the positive message and purpose of Ashes to Anthems (A2A) continues on. A special thank you to all the amazing volunteers, donors, sponsors and partners for helping to make this celebration extra special.
We look forward to keeping all eyes on Altadena during the rebuilding journey working collaboratively to support Dena Moving Forward! See you next year for the second annual festival and remembrance celebration on Jan 10, 2026!
To partner with us email public relations at mimi@mimibrown.tv
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Andra Day
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Lacrae
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Erica Campbell
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D Smoke
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Wale
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Goapele
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Victory Bible Church Choir
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Tendaji Lathan
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Aja Marie
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Sunwhoa
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DJ Lala
From Wildfire to Revival
“When the publicity fades, people are still left to pick up the pieces. This is about more than aid—it’s about making sure Altadena’s legacy is never erased.”
- Andra Day
photo gallery of 2025 Ashes to Anthems
DENA FORWARD:
AN ODE TO DENA’S PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
The Dena Forward Alliance emerged from the 2025 Ashes to Anthems Festival and Resource Fair as a means for strategizing and mobilizing the community’s vision for its future. Dean Forward is a multiracial, multi-generational, faith-friendly, collaborative working together to ensure equitable rebuilding across Altadena and Pasadena.
We aim to preserve generational wealth and legacy while building new suns.
A 5-Year Civic Recovery Plan Rooted in Land, Culture & Collective Care
Inspired by the Afrofuturist imagination of Altadena native Octavia Butler, “There are historically rooted people in Altadena’s future” is both a rebuilding declaration and a design principle. It affirms that recovery must protect legacy while investing in the creativity, care, and leadership of those who’ve long called this place home. The Dena Forward Alliance is building systems and ensuring that culture, care, and community voices collaborate in service to a thriving, just future for everyone.
THE AIM OF THE ALLIANCE
The Care Management Network connects survivors to short-term relief and long-term housing, financial and emotional support through an integrated, trauma-informed model emphasizing dignity, cultural responsiveness, and trust. You can join us and follow what the alliance is doing at www.denaforward.org.
Thank you to alL the A2A supporters & partners
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