Educator, community leader, and volunteer — Evernell Black of Palm Springs is many things to many people in our community. On Thursday, she was officially recognized as an inspiration.
Driving the news: Black was among 11 people in the Coachella Valley honored during the annual Senior Inspiration Awards luncheon Thursday at Fantasy Springs Resort in Indio.
- Since 1992 Riverside County and officials from all nine valley cities have come together to recognize citizens 65 and older who inspire others through their volunteerism and contributions to the community.
Looking back: The 87-year-old was born and raised in Carthage, Texas, graduated from Cal State LA in 1960, and eventually followed her parents, who had moved to Palm Springs in 1963.
- The Desert Highland Gateway Estates resident had a 35-year career in education, teaching at Cathedral City High School and Katherine Finchy Elementary School, where she was named teacher of the Year in 1987.
- Her volunteer efforts have benefited numerous organizations, including her neighborhood’s action committee, Ajalon Baptist Church, and the Palm Springs Black History Committee.
What they’re saying: Palm Springs Mayor Grace Garner, who nominated Black for the award, said her dedication to school children during her working days and her continued efforts to help share the history of the city’s Black residents made her an easy choice for the honor.
“She’s always involved,” Garner said before the ceremony. “Anytime she can be an advocate for her community, she is.”
Details: Others honored at the Thursday event included Martha Gutierrez and William “Bill” Senso (Riverside County), Jo Anne Kennon (Cathedral City), Javier R. Graciano (Coachella), Teresa Valencia Sanchez (Desert Hot Springs), Ginny Whitman (Indian Wells), Sylvia Tenorio (Indio), Ada Nuckels (La Quinta), Betty Baxter (Palm Desert), and Mary Lou Suter (Rancho Mirage).
