Palm Springs Black History Committee Hosts ‘Caravan Thru African American History” on Saturday, Feb. 27

PALM SPRINGS — This community has a longstanding tradition of celebrating Black History Month, It has typically held a monthlong celebration complete with a show-stopping parade. The COVID-19 pandemic may have altered this city’s plans, but it did not stop them. You’re welcome to join the city’s Black History Month Committee for a “Caravan Thru African American History” on Saturday, Feb. 27 at 10 a.m.

This free tour will introduce you to Black pioneers of the city whose talents and perseverance overcame the prejudices of earlier times, including renowned architect Paul R. Williams and developer and city planner Lawrence R. Crossley.

Lawrence Crossley, a land developer and city planner ,who came here in the 1920s and who reshaped the city’s landscape, created a reliable water source, and represented local Native Americans to the Federal government at a time when those of African descent were forbidden from owning land.

In addition, attendees will visit historic African American churches and caravan through developments and neighborhoods designed and developed by Williams and Crossley such as the Town and Country Center, Crossley Corners Trailer Park and the Crossley neighborhood.

The caravan will conclude at the James O. Jessie Unity Center in Desert Highland Gateway Estates, the city’s first organized neighborhood where community activists and athletes of worldwide repute have all lived.

The 10 a.m. caravan kicks off at United Methodist Church of Palm Springs 1555, E. Alejo Road. To register, click here. 

Image Sources

  • Black-history-caravan-fi-800×568-1: Pixby