Parade Tops Off Black History Month

February is Black History Month in the City of Palm Springs and the entire community is welcome to attend the Black History Month Parade and Town Fair on Saturday, Feb. 24 in downtown.

The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on Palm Canyon Drive and Arenas Road and concludes at Alejo Road.

This year’s grand marshal is well-known African American drummer Alvin Taylor, who is also a producer and musical director, who is best known for his work with Elton John, Eric Burdon, George Harrison, Billy Preston and Bob Welch.

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 parade caps off a month of events dedicated to Black History.

The city of Palm Springs has honored February as Black History Month with a variety of entertaining and educational events planned by the City’s Black History Month Committee..

President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Since 1976, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme.

The Black History Month 2018 theme, “African Americans in Times of War,” marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I and honors the roles that black Americans have played in warfare, from the American Revolution to the present day.

“The City of Palm Springs invites the entire Coachella Valley to join us on Saturday, Feb. 24 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.