A Journey of Discovery: Altadena Seniors Explore Their Community’s Legacy

It was a case of leaving home to learn more about home, as more than 50 older adults from the Altadena Satellite Senior Center took a memorable day trip to explore the cultural roots of their own community.

The group visited the California African American Museum (CAAM) to see Ode to ‘Dena: Black Artistic Legacies of Altadena, an exhibition honoring Altadena’s rich Black cultural heritage. The show included striking watercolors by Keni “Arts” Davis, depicting local landmarks — including the former Senior Center — before and after it was destroyed in the Eaton Fire earlier this year. The pieces serve as a powerful call to find beauty and resilience in the aftermath of loss.

Though he has lived in Altadena since the 1980s, Roberson said the exhibition opened his eyes to a deeper history. “Being here, I’m learning so much about Altadena,” he said. “Now that I’m learning it, I think I’m living in the right place.”

Roberson first came to the Senior Center about four years ago. Once a self-described homebody, he now participates in multiple programs. “I exercise five days a week and participate in all the different programs: Tai Chi, weight exercises, and line dancing,” he said. “And also, there’s all these people I’ve met.”

Jennie Bridges joined the group from Arcadia. Her Altadena home was damaged in the Eaton Fire, but she hopes to return soon. “Once I’m home, I’ll be at the Senior Center a couple times a week,” she said.

Bridges began attending the center before retiring in 2017. “I liked the free gym. Then I started going to line dance classes. I also like the exercise classes, like chair yoga and chair aerobics,” she added.

After touring the museum, Hortensia Cruz made the most of the outing by visiting the California Science Center and taking in an IMAX film about the wildlife of Antarctica. She’s been part of the Senior Center community for eight years.

“I like the bingo, the exercise, the trips, and all the social events — like birthday celebrations,” Cruz said.

Joyce McKeever, another attendee, said she started with chair yoga but discovered that group outings were what she loved most.

“It’s a good way to see different things — and you don’t have to drive,” McKeever said reflecting the vibrant spirit of connection and discovery that Senior Center Month celebrates across Los Angeles County.