Palm Springs kicks off Black History Month with Saturday morning flag raising ceremony

Palm Springs raised its Black History Month flag at City Hall Saturday morning, marking the beginning of a month-long celebration honoring the contributions of African Americans to the city.

Mayor Ron deHarte, joined by members of the Palm Springs Black History Committee, City Council, and city leadership, presided over the ceremony.

“This is an opportunity to specifically recognize and acknowledge the contributions and the achievements of our black community in Palm Springs,” deHarte said. “The African American leaders and workers have helped build the city of Palm Springs.”

Deiter Crawford, board member of the Black History Committee, emphasized the significance of the event as he raised the flag in front of City Hall.

“It means a lot to have our history celebrated here with the city of Palm Springs,” he said, “and it lets us know that we’re included and that the city is celebrating diversity and Black History Month.”

The flag raising ceremony kicked off a series of events planned throughout February to commemorate Black History Month in Palm Springs.

Later Saturday morning, the Palm Springs Library hosted “Our Voices Our Stories: Celebrating Black Authors.” It began at the Mizell Center with a hosted lunch for 100 registrants and concluded at the library with an event for book lovers to celebrate the works of Black authors.

Saturday evening, the Palm Springs Black History Committee will hold its annual awards gala, recognizing individuals, groups, and businesses that have contributed to the success and achievements of African Americans in the community.

Among other events this month:

• The Palm Springs Art Museum is offering a series of free Black History Month events. The museum’s Black History Month Kick-Off on Feb. 6 will feature performances by the Palm Springs High School Choir and the Healing Rhythms West African Drum Circle.
• On Feb. 13, the museum will host a panel discussion on Black perspectives on Palm Springs architecture and housing, led by Jerald Cooper of Hood Century.
• The museum’s Family+ event on Feb. 16 will offer workshops based on the national 2024 Black History Month theme, “African Americans and Labor.”
• A Black Business and Community Organization Showcase is scheduled for Feb. 20 at the museum, celebrating the impact of Black-owned businesses and their contributions to the local economy.
• The museum’s Black History Month celebrations will conclude with a block party on Feb. 27, featuring music, games, food, performances, and BIPOC vendors.
• Community events throughout the month include a Daddy Daughter Dance on Feb. 14 at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center gymnasium and an adult basketball tournament on Feb. 8.
• A Black History Tour is also scheduled for Feb. 17, departing from the Unity Center. The tour will highlight untold history, historic buildings, landmarks, and mid-century modern architecture.
• The 38th Annual Black History Parade & Town Fair will take place on Feb. 22. The parade begins at 11 a.m., followed by a Town Fair from noon to 6 p.m. in the Downtown Park across from the Palm Springs Art Museum.

For more information on Black History Month events in Palm Springs, residents can visit palmspringsblackhistory.org, call 760-416-5716, or email info@palmspringsblackhistory.org.

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