Palm Springs Block Party Celebrates 50 Years of Hip Hop Thursday

PALM SPRINGS, CA —The Palm Springs Black History Month Committee, Palm Springs Art Museum and the city will conclude their series of free Black History Month events Thursday evening.

There will be a Black History Month block party celebrating 50 years of hip hop at 5:30 p.m. in the Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 Museum Way, according to city spokeswoman Amy Blaisdell.

Festivities began Feb. 1 with a celebration of the Harlem Renaissance and African-American culture and arts, featuring performances by the Palm Springs High School Choir and James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center drum line and drill team.

The 37th annual Black History Month Awards Gala followed Feb. 3, during which individuals and organizations who allied or contributed to the success of African-American achievements in the city were recognized with awards.

Additionally, the Palm Springs Art Museum hosted free weekly events, including a jazz-inspired night of music on Feb. 8, a Rhythm and Hues with local fashion designer Aneka Brown and jazz melodies from Wayne Cobman on Feb. 15 and a blues- and soul-inspired night session on Feb. 22.

Other events throughout the month included a men's basketball tournament Feb. 17, the Palm Springs Black History Caravan Feb. 19, and the 37th annual Palm Springs Black History Month Parade and Town Fair Feb. 24.

More information about the events can be found at www.palmspringsblackhistory.org.