The City of Palm Springs has announced that a series of events have been scheduled to commemorate Black History Month in February. These events, ranging from an awards gala to a parade and fair, are open to the entire community.
According to a post on the City of Palm Springs' Facebook page, these Black History Month events have been organized by the Palm Springs Black History Committee. This committee has collaborated with both the city and the Palm Springs Art Museum for this initiative.
As per the City of Palm Springs website, the 14th Annual Awards Gala is slated for February 3 at 6 p.m., taking place at the Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs. The awards serve to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to African American achievements. This year's honorees include Olga Montes for the Continuing Sponsor Award; Pastor Rodney Croom for Clergy of the Year Award; Joaquin Galeano for Community Service Award; Palm Springs Art Museum for Community Partnership Award; David Weiner for Community Advocate Award; Brothers of the Desert for Trail Blazer Award; Palm Springs Cultural Center for Corporate Sponsor Award; United Methodist Church for Social Justice Award; Jonathan Covington, Mikayla Johnson, Lyzset Waits and Mylah McLelland as Student Awardees; and Jackie Patrick receiving the James O. Jessie Lifetime Achievement Award.
The website further reveals other Black History Month events such as the Men's Basketball Tournament on February 17 at 9 a.m. at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center; the 37th annual Palm Springs Black History Month Parade & Town Fair on February 24 starting at 11 a.m.; and the Black History Month Block Party—Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop on February 29, from 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Palm Springs Art Museum. Additionally, live music will be featured at the Palm Springs Art Museum on February 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29.