California Wildfire Impacts on the MENA Community: A Call for Data Equity
The devastating wildfires in Southern California have left a profound impact on many communities, including the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) population in the region, particularly in the Pasadena area, which has a long history of MENA presence. Citizens of Armenian, Arabic, and Persian backgrounds are among those affected, with tragic losses to community hubs and significant challenges in recovery. Yet, the lack of a designated MENA data category prevents us from fully understanding and addressing the depth of these impacts.
Community Centers Lost to Flames
The Eaton Fires in Altadena, California, have caused irreparable damage to cultural and religious landmarks essential to the MENA community's identity and resilience. Key sites destroyed include:
Sahag-Mesrob Armenian School: A cornerstone for Armenian education and culture. More here.
Masjid al-Taqwa: A masjid providing spiritual and social support to African American and MENA Muslims in the Pasadena area. Details here.
Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center: Although the temple survived, discovering a rescued Persian Torah underscores the fire's impact on the Persian Jewish community. Learn more here.
These losses are not just physical; they represent disruptions to community life, culture, and collective healing.
The Hidden Costs of Exclusion
Without specific MENA data collection, we cannot adequately assess or respond to the following critical wildfire impacts:
Health Impacts: Many MENA communities live in areas heavily affected by smoke, ash, and airborne toxins. Proximity to these hazards can exacerbate respiratory and other health conditions.
Housing Displacement: The fires have left families without homes, yet without proper categorization, their needs might be overlooked in relief efforts.
Economic Challenges: Many small businesses owned by MENA community members face hurdles in insurance claims and rebuilding. Economic recovery for these populations remains uncertain.
Studies, including those from the Catalyst Blog, reveal that SWANA communities often live in areas vulnerable to environmental hazards. Despite this, the lack of a formal MENA category in demographic data limits their visibility in public health, housing, and economic statistics. This gap hampers the ability to direct resources where they are most needed.
AB-91: A Path to Visibility and Equity
California has the opportunity to change this through AB-91, a bill requiring the disaggregation of demographic data for MENA populations. With this legislation, agencies could identify which segments of the MENA population are most impacted by disasters like wildfires. This would ensure targeted relief efforts and policy decisions that address the unique needs of these communities.
The Eaton wildfire is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by MENA Californians and the urgent need for data equity. By advocating for AB-91, we can begin to repair not only the physical losses but also the systemic gaps that leave MENA communities invisible in times of crisis.
