 |
Unfeigned ChristianityAuthor: Asher Witmer
Becoming Christians who are theologically anchored, emotionally healthy, and loving others well. Language: en-us Genres: Arts, Books, Religion & Spirituality Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
Listen Now...
The First Black Suburb in America — and the Day Its Magic Ended | Keith Smith
Episode 8
Wednesday, 25 March, 2026
Keith Smith grew up on Montford Street in Pacoima — in the San Fernando Valley — during one of the most culturally distinct decades in American history. His grandfather was a Tuskegee Airman who helped build what became the first African-American suburb in the United States. His grandmother was a Southern hospitality-giver who always cooked enough for company. His neighborhood was multigenerational, tight-knit, and quietly remarkable. His mom taught Michael Jackson the robot. And then, when Keith was 12 years old, a murder on his street divided his childhood into before and after. The Magic of Montford Street: A Love Letter to the Valley in the '80s is Keith's memoir — his origin story, told before he writes the theological books that are coming next. It's a book about a community that formed him, a magic that was stolen, and what it means to grieve something good. In this conversation, Asher and Keith talk about: What made Pacoima one of the most unique Black communities in America — and how it got that way The '80s as a bridge generation: still outside until the streetlights came on, but also Atari 2600 How the Cosby Show gave Keith the first screen representation of the life he actually lived The crack epidemic and the War on Drugs — what it looked like from a kid's perspective on the street The LAPD battering ram, two blocks from his house, deployed against the wrong family How Rodney King was beaten just down the road in Pacoima — and why it wasn't surprising to the people who lived there What his grandmother's storytelling and hospitality built in him that he still carries as a pastor Why he believes you have to start with your origin story before you can say anything else This is a rich, warm, personal conversation about memory, community, loss — and the people who form us. Read the full blog post and show notes here and learn more about the Unfeigned Christianity Membership program at asherwitmer.com/member. Find Keith's book, writings, and soundtracks at www.keithnsmith.com. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Keith Smith and His Journey05:05 From California to Ohio08:16 The Impact of Community and Neighborhood11:14 Processing Trauma and Change13:59 Nostalgia for the 80s: A Unique Era16:41 The Day the Magic Ended19:52 Celebrity Culture in the Valley22:39 The Influence of Family and Community25:40 Reflections on Race and Neighborhood Dynamics35:27 The Legacy of Redlining and Community Building38:09 Pacoima: The First African-American Suburb41:02 The Impact of the Drug Epidemic48:40 Community Responses to Change55:35 The Evolution of Pacoima Today
