Section 14 Survivors and Descendants host Juneteenth rally
In honor of Juneteenth, Section 14 survivors and descendants hosted a Juneteenth rally in Palm Springs at Frances stevens park.
Hundreds of locals came out to celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion.
There was an educational and historical showcase of artifacts collected from Section 14 homes over the years.
Organizers say the rally's theme was "We are united, we are standing, and we are family."
"Today's goal is for inclusion," says the President of the Section 14 Survivors and Descendants group, Pearl Devers. "We're celebrating Juneteenth Of course, we are celebrating unity, we're celebrating allies who are people who have our friends of section 14, and we are celebrating the cause for justice. And that's what we're doing today."
"I'm just hoping that all these get togethers and all the news, they finally get the idea that something was done here," says a descendant of Section 14, Erlinda Diaz. That was not right. And I hope they fix it.
It has been 60 years since section 14 was cleared out for development.
Organizers of this event say they will party today, but their fight for reparations will continue.
The Section 14 survivors and descendants are hosting a rally on Monday in honor of Juneteenth and to advocate for equality and inclusion in Palm Springs.
Rally organizers said the event is being held on Juneteenth as a way to celebrate the holiday and bring attention to the fight of those impacted by the destruction of Section 14 over 50 years ago.
Related Story: I-Team digs into what really happened in the forced removal of Section 14 families in Palm Springs
“It only makes sense for Section 14 survivors and descendants to come together with allies throughout the Coachella Valley to recognize Juneteenth," explained Areva Martin, a civil rights attorney. "To celebrate African American history and to celebrate the progress that has been made in this country as it relates to racial justice and racial equity issues.”
There will be speakers from Democrats of the Desert, Stonewall Democrats, Brothers of the Desert, and Palm Springs Black History Committee.
The rally is going to be at Francis Stevens Park in Palm Springs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Areva Martin is the civil rights attorney representing the survivors and descendants. She said she is continuing negotiations with the City of Palm Springs to resolve the claims from those affected by the destruction of Section 14 without litigation. Martin said she is anticipating releasing a comprehensive proposal that will be presented to the City of Palm Springs by the end of June.
