Palm Springs Unified School District Marks Black History Month With Celebrations, Events

Palm Springs Unified School District is commemorating Black History Month with classroom lessons, cultural presentations and community events designed to help students connect with black history and culture.

"Our scholars deserve to understand their history, where they've come from, what makes them great, the contributions before them, and how they'll continue to contribute to this great country of America," PSUSD Superintendent Dr. Marcus Funchess said.

The district is implementing various programs across its schools. Rancho Mirage Elementary teacher Joi Cox will be one of the guest presenters at Raymond Cree Middle School, helping students connect history to their own experiences.

"It will involve the student thinking and empathizing and talking about what empathy is, although this might not be your story, can you relate? Is it similar to yours?" Cox said.

Cox emphasized the importance of addressing negative stereotypes through education.

"Black history is American history. It's world history," she said. "As educators, I feel like it's imperative that we do our part to counteract a lot of the negative perspectives of what being black is."

Raymond Cree Middle School Assistant Principal Jody Diaz said the celebrations reflect the district's commitment to inclusivity.

"All means all, including everybody and celebrating everybody," Diaz said. "It's all about learning about each other, and the diversity makes us better and doesn't separate us."

One of the district's signature events is Taste of Soul, scheduled for Feb. 27 at Desert Hot Springs High School. The celebration will feature student performances, vendors and community partners.

Desert Hot Springs High School freshman Jaiel Gainey, who will participate in this year's event, said she was inspired after attending as a middle school student.

"I saw myself on the stage dancing with those ladies," Gainey said. "For me to be a part of it is just, I don't know, it's like touching."

Senior Jasiah Aldana said the event provides important cultural representation.

"You don't see a lot of expressions of the black community in Coachella Valley or just PSUSD in general," Aldana said. "It shows our culture, where we came from, who we are today, in modern society, and just what we do for the community in general."

Funchess said the district's commitment extends beyond February.

"It is our goal to ensure that our scholars see themselves in a positive manner in everything that we do, from the literature that they have access to, to the acknowledgements and celebrations that we have year round and a way that we value our scholars across our school sites," he said.

The Taste of Soul event begins at 5 p.m. Friday at Desert Hot Springs High School and is open to the community.