3rd Annual Black History Caravan in Palm Springs

After two years of social distancing, attendees of the 3rd annual Caravan Through African American History in Palm Springs boarded a bus to take a tour through the lesser-known history of the area.

Jarvis Crawford, the President of the Palm Springs Black History Committee, was the group's guide and pointed out prominent Black historical landmarks across the city.

The first stop on the tour was the site of Section 14, which served as a poignant start in a city with a complicated history and road ahead as discussions on how to address the forcible evictions of families continues.

“If you don't share the history and the culture of others, you won't know about them, which leaves you ignorant. And then when you're ignorant, you make assumptions," said Crawford.

Crawford also highlighted hubs of Black culture like the Purple Room, where musical icons like Sammy Davis Jr. regularly performed.

The caravan explored the Crossley Corners neighborhood, named after Lawrence Crossley, a major local Black figurehead. Lawrence Crossley made major contributions to the area upon his arrival in the 1920s and expanded land ownership to Black residents.

Crawford also spoke about the work of Black leaders like Paul R. Williams, who built significant landmarks like the El Mirador Towers and the Town and Country Center.

“We want people to really realize and recognize the great contributions that African Americans have made...we just want people to come out and share and educate and celebrate," said Crawford.

The tour ended at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center, a centerpiece of the local Black community, where attendees were about to reflect on their tour through time.

“I loved the tour because you can learn different stuff about the the place where you live," said Cynthia Curtis, a Palm Springs resident.

For more information on the remaining Black History Month events in Palm Springs, click here.