PALM SPRINGS —  The Annual Black History Month Parade and Town Fair draws hundreds of people to Downtown capping off a monthlong celebration of Black History.

For many, it’s become a family tradition.

The 33rd Annual Black History Month Parade & Town Fair is set for Saturday, Feb. 29. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on Palm Canyon Drive. This year’s grand marshal is Indio City Councilmember Waymond Fermon.

“Being named the Grand Marshal for the Black History Parade is truly an honor and highlight of my short time in local government,” Fermon told Uken Report. He was elected to the Indio City Council in November 2018.

“One of my goals has been to bridge the gap between the Black Communities of Indio and Palm Springs,” Fermon said. “I believe this will serve as a beginning to a great working relationship. I’m looking forward to working with other leaders in our community to teach our Black young men and women about our beautiful heritage and the contributions we’ve made to our country. There are large parts of Black History missing from our history books so it’s imperative that we learn our history from our elders and pass it down to our youth.  As the only Black Elected official in the Coachella Valley, I have to pay homage to former Palm Springs Mayor Ron Oden, former Indio Councilmember Troy Strange and the many other Black leaders past and present in the Coachella Valley for paving the way. I will be the first Black Mayor of the great city of Indio and that’s a testament to the diversity in our city and valley.”

Following the parade, the Town Fair will be held from noon to 6 p.m. in Frances Stevens Park on the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Alejo Road. The fair includes live music, food and activities for residents of all ages.

The day is celebratory in nature featuring a multicultural display of support for black history,

“The City of Palm Springs invites the entire Coachella Valley to join us on Saturday, Feb. 29 in downtown as we celebrate Black History Month and the many accomplishments of our African American community,”  City Manager David H. Ready said in a prepared statement.

For more information, contact the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center at (760) 323-8271.

 

Image Sources

  • Black History Parade: VisitPalmSprings.com