New Beginnings with EBONY Voices: A Film Tribute
In a heartfelt move to celebrate resilience and community strength, EBONY Media has unveiled its new multimedia initiative, EBONY Voices, with the premiere short film, Standing in the Ashes. This debut film is a poignant reminder of the lives impacted by the Altadena fires and aims to elevate human-interest stories that inspire communities.
Recognizing Collective Struggles
Directed by the talented Lyric Perez, Standing in the Ashes thoughtfully portrays the experiences of three long-term Altadena families. As they confront the aftermath of the tragic Eaton wildfire, the film dives deep into themes of loss, recovery, and the decision to stay rooted in a historically Black neighborhood that faced disproportionate effects from the disaster.
Voices of Resilience
Eden Bridgeman Sklenar, the Owner and CEO of EBONY Media, expressed the essence of this film perfectly: "Standing in the Ashes reflects what EBONY Voices was created to do—center humanity, honor legacy, and ensure our communities are not reduced to statistics in moments of crisis." This focus highlights the intention behind the initiative—centering voices and preserving histories during challenging times.
Impact and Community Contributions
The film features Staci and Thomas Andrews, Ronda Carson alongside her mother Barbara, and community leader Antoinette 'Toni' Bailey-Raines. Bailey-Raines gained recognition as a 2025 EBONY Power 100 Community Crusader for her commitment to revitalizing community through grassroots initiatives like Altadena Talks, a radio show and podcast birthed from the fires' aftermath.
The Toll of the Eaton Wildfire
The Eaton wildfire was devastating, with 19 lives lost and over 9,400 homes and buildings either destroyed or severely damaged. Disturbingly, about 60 percent of the households affected were Black, showcasing a deeper impact on vulnerable communities. Research from UCLA's Ralph J. Bunche Center indicates that over half of Black households situated within the fire perimeter faced significant losses, amplifying the challenges many of these families face in recovery.
A Story Worth Watching
Standing in the Ashes is now part of the EBONY Voices initiative, available for viewing on popular platforms. This film not only sheds light on tragedy but emphasizes the importance of community resilience and cultural preservation.
Celebrating the Legacy of EBONY
As EBONY Media stands strong with 80 years of influential storytelling, it continues to capture and celebrate the Black experience in America. With a mission to Move Black Forward, EBONY Media aims to illuminate the perspectives of Black communities worldwide through cultural excellence and achievement.
Engaging with the Community
As a part of this celebration, EBONY Media Group, under the umbrella of 1145 Holdings, LLC, emphasizes social engagement. With vibrant social media platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), they are committed to fostering conversations that matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EBONY Voices?
EBONY Voices is a new multimedia initiative by EBONY Media focused on highlighting human-interest stories that inspire and uplift communities.
What is the subject of the film 'Standing in the Ashes'?
'Standing in the Ashes' explores the experiences of families affected by the Eaton wildfire, focusing on their journeys of rebuilding and resilience.
Who directed 'Standing in the Ashes'?
The film was directed by Lyric Perez and produced by EBONY Media's leadership team.
How can I watch 'Standing in the Ashes'?
The film is now available as part of the EBONY Voices initiative on various platforms, including YouTube.
What legacy does EBONY Media represent?
With 80 years of history, EBONY Media represents the defining voice of the Black American experience and remains committed to celebrating cultural excellence and achievement.
