Unincorporated is a newer coffee house in NW Altadena that has generally been welcomed by the neighborhood. A recent mural installation on the wall of the store has resulted in a community angered by images that for many portray violent black figures, stabbing and choking each other. When the community spoke up to request its removal, the owners doubled down, insisting the community was "mature enough" to deal with the conversations raised by the artwork.
An historically Black working-class neighborhood with significant Japanese and Latino residents as well, NW Altadena is experiencing extreme pressures from gentrification that is damaging longtime communities. By not listening to the voices of long time residents who are traumatized by the artwork, Unincorporated has become the wrong kind of neighbor in our changing neighborhood.
With County and Town officials saying that it is out of their control, the community is left with no other choice - and we - neighbors, community members, and supporters, ask you to join us in boycotting the coffeehouse with us until the change is made.
For important context, this YouTube video which includes moving testimony of neighbors who have asked for the removal of the mural.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WU32IYkmgh4&t=5982s This issue starts at 1:39:42: first hear the Altadena Town Councilmember give context to his follow-up on the issue, followed by testimony of neighbors.
Please join us in our boycott, and sign our petition.
