Banning’s 2nd Black Family Shares Their History At Free Lecture

BANNING, CA — From the Fountain of Life Church her grandfather built on Williams Street to her journey to becoming mayor in 2020 — Colleen Wallace's family shares a rich legacy in Banning.

The Wallaces and Coles were the second Black family to settle in the area during the early 1940s, forging deep connections to the community. Colleen and her father Henry Wallace will finally share their family history with the community at a lecture on Oct. 10, hosted by the San Gorgonio Pass Historical Society.

The lecture will begin at 7 p.m., inside the Dorothy Ramon Learning Center, 127 N. San Gorgonio Ave.

Colleen, now a city council member, was elected mayor in 2020 — something she never thought she would do.

"I got into government because I seen our side of town going downhill," she said. "I just want [everyone], not just my community...to have what we need and not worry about nothing. I'm for the people, that's why I ran because nothing was prospering on our side of town and I don't like it."

That's when Colleen said she began sharing stories about her family and the impact they have had on the city.

"I just started telling about my great-grandparents being the second Black family to move here and my dad becoming the first Black to go to an elementary school here."

More than anything, Colleen hopes to inspire other families of any background to share their story next.

"I'm trying to let people know — don't be afraid. Come out and tell your history," she said. "Banning is a gem to me."

With her father leading most of the lecture, the pair will share the contributions of African American families like theirs that have often gone overlooked in Banning's history.

"I'm going to let him speak. He's been here forever," she said.

The pair will focus on the history of Williams Street, where three historic homes — her great-grandmother's house, the house her grandfather built and her great-uncle's house still stand. Across the street is the church her great-grandfather built, now called Fountain of Life Church.

Colleen emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse local histories and combating racism. The lecture aims to celebrate and document the rich heritage of the Cole and Wallace family.

"I want the people that have been in Banning to be noticed," she said.