My name is Ayana Martin. I don’t often introduce myself with my Doctor title because I’m just a girl from Altadena, a city no one had previously heard of. Altadena is my home.
I took tennis lessons at Loma Alta Park, was baptized at Lincoln Ave Baptist Church, sang in the award-winning children’s and young adult gospel choirs at First AME Pasadena, spent summers walking to the Bob Lucas Memorial Library, was a Girl Scout in one of the only predominantly Black troops (Troop #747) on Mariposa St, was a semi-finalist for the Rose Parade Court (shout out to a Troop 747 alum for becoming a 2006 Rose Parade Princess!), attended many-a Turkey Tussle football game between rival schools John Muir and PHS, and got my very first job at Perry’s Joint on Lincoln.
This list is long, but not long enough to truly demonstrate the magnitude of Altadena (and Pasadena) running through me. Altadena molded me to be who I am and is beyond proud to yell across the room “Doctor Martin!” when they see me.
So today I come to you as Dr. Ayana Martin, from the Historic Black Community of Altadena, CA.
Endless memories are stored in the homes, businesses, and streets that are no longer standing due to the Eaton Canyon Fire. While the tangible items that represented our memories are gone, the lessons of Hope, Love, Inspiration, and Resilience live within us, the people. My people are alive and safe and need our help to move forward.
My community needs me. And I need you.
I am partnering with G.I.R.L.S. to create a relief fund for Rebuilding Altadena & Pasadena in the wake of the Eaton Canyon fire. The goal of this fund is to provide resources for the medium-to-long-term rebuilding efforts. Things such as extended temporary housing, assistance with fees for professional consultations and services, contribution towards building materials, and more. This effort is going to take years, but I am personally committed to being part of the history that sees this community be the Rose that it is – the rose that grew from concrete [Tupac Shakur]. I hope you will join me in that commitment.
There are several ways to contribute:
- Donate here on our site.
- Please make sure to add the purpose as Eaton Canyon Fire Fund
- Corporate matches are welcomed!
- GIRLS – Girls Initiating Real Living Standards
- EIN: 93-4517121
- We are also accepting ETF/stock donations via “Doc Yana Gives” charitable fund.
- Please reach out to me for transfer details: yanacakes@hotmail.com (one of my first email addresses established in Altadena)
I believe that whatever you give will be given back to you in good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. Thank you for your support of me and my Altadena home during this unprecedented time of need.
Disclosures:
I am a board member of G.I.R.L.S.
I am also the daughter of the G.I.R.L.S.TM founder, Deirdre Skelton. If you have any questions or concerns about conflicts of interest, please don’t hesitate to reach out! yanacakes@hotmail.com
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