Palm Springs 38th Black History Event To Focus On Progress, Labor

PALM SPRINGS, CA — Palm Springs is hosting its 39th Black History Month Parade and Town Fair this Saturday, marking the conclusion of a weeklong series of events honoring Black culture.

This year's theme is "African Americans and Labor" and will specifically highlight progress and historical contributions of African Americans, according to the city's Black History Committee.

The event typically takes in February, which is designated as Black History Month, which began as "Negro History Month" by Carter G. Woodson in the 1920s, the city said. Woodson was a renowned author, editor, publisher and historian.

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"Everyone is welcome to share in our celebration of events commencing Black History Month," the committee said in a release.

The parade will kick off at 11 a.m. downtown at Baristo Road and Palm Canyon Drive. It will be immediatly followed by the Town Fair at noon, which will offer food, vendors and live entertainment.

Each year, the parade showcases local dancers, drill teams and more. The event will feature grand marshals Eternity Hickman and Josephine Hoskins — MissBlack USA Talented Teen and Miss Arizona High School America.

The final event comes after a series of Black History Month events including the Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Basketball Classic, the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Celebration, the prestigious 15th Annual Awards Gala at Margaritaville Resort, the PS Art Museum collaborations every Thursday during Black History Month, the Gospel Fest, Sip & Paint event and an adult basketball tournament.