Altaleirloom is a post-custodial archive and visual activation series exploring the enduring social and visual memory of Black Americans in Altadena, CA. This archival offering distinguishes the largely understudied migrational history and cultural placemaking in the foothills of Altadena, especially highlighted by the historically redlined community west of Lake Avenue. From an interior perspective, the project space considers how our community has long been impacted by the displacing conditions of segregation, gentrification, and more recently climate disaster following the Eaton Fire. Through an activation of surviving image materials, AltaHeirloom assembles pieces of our experience that remain couched in our memories for our collective well-being, expression, and cultural sovereignty.

Stewarded & Created by Cienna Benn, M.A.