February is Black History Month in Palm Springs

February is Black History Month in the City of Palm Springs and the entire community is invited to participate in a host of fun and educational events planned by the City’s Black History Month Committee. Here is a list of events coming up:

- Black History Month Kick Off & Opening Reception, featuring the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Drill Team and Drum Squad. A Free Thursday event. Thursday, Feb. 2, 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m., Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 N. Museum Drive

- 36th Annual Black History Awards Gala. Saturday, Feb. 4, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Hilton Palm Springs, 400 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way. Recognizing individuals and organizations in the community who have allied or contributed to the success of the African American achievements. Honorees include Debra McDuff-Williams, Pastor Ricky Williams, Jarvis Williams, Frank Elmore, Indio Councilmember Waymond Fermon and Holland Farms. Palm Springs Mayor Grace Garner will receive the Local Advocacy Award, Timothy Bradley, Jr. will receive the James O. Jessie Lifetime Achievement Award and Desert Highland Gateway Estates will be honored with the Community Organization Award.

- Black History Month Performance, “The Other Side.” A Free Thursday event.  Feb. 9, 6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Palm Springs Art Museum Annenberg Theatre, 101 N. Museum Drive. The Riverside County NAACP Youth Council and Empower You Entertainment present a drama by local playwright, Nia Sharron Campbell. Seating is first come first serve.

- Black History Month Fundraiser, Sip N’ Paint. Saturday, Feb. 11, 4 p.m. Antigua Kitchen & Bar, 105 S. Palm Canyon Drive.

- Black History Month Lecture. “Acts of Revolution and Resilience: An Evening with France-Luce Benson. A Free Thursday event. Feb. 16, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 N. Museum Drive. The Haitian playwright will discuss the fascination history and cultural legacies that inspire her work and perform excerpts from her plays.

- Black History Month Men’s Basketball Tournament. Saturday, Feb. 18, 10 a.m. James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center, 480 Tramview Road.

- Palm Springs Black History Caravan. Monday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m. Departure location, James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center Parking lot, 480 Tramview Road.

- Palm Springs Black History Mid-Century Motown Concert in Partnership with Modernism Week, featuring the Keisha D Soul Band. Monday, Feb. 20,

5p.m. – 8 p.m. Hyatt Palm Springs, 285 N. Palm Canyon Drive.

- Black History Musical Performance, Eevaan Tre and The Show. A Free Thursday event. Feb. 23, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 N. Museum Way. Well known R&B soul artist from Coachella, Calif. who has performed a the Coachella Music and Arts Festival and more recently, the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

- Black History “Taste of Soul.” Friday, Feb. 24, 4:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Desert Hot Springs High School, 65850 Pearson Boulevard.

- 6th Annual Black History Parade and Town Fair.  Parade is Saturday, Feb. 25 at 11 a.m. along Palm Canyon Drive. Grand Marshal is KESQ-TV News Reporter Miyoshi Price. Town Fair runs noon to 6 p.m. in the Downtown Park.

For more information about events, visit www.PalmSpringsBlackHistory.org