Black History Month 2022 at the Palm Springs Art Museum

The Palm Springs Art Museum presents several programs to celebrate Black History Month.

Palm Springs Art Museum is proud to collaborate with the Palm Springs Black History Committee and thanks them for their support and partnership.

Thursday nights are free from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., supported by the City of Palm Springs.

NOTE: All visitors are required to make a reservation online before arriving at the museum. (No walkups!) Proof of vaccination is required for all Museum functions. This includes Free Thursday Nights. 

Thursday February 3, 2022 5:30 to 7 pm

Black History Month Opening Receptions

• Kick-off Black History Month with the Palm Springs Black History Committee, featuring a student performance from the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center Drill Team and Drum Squad. 
• Following the kick-off, enjoy a self-guided tour available at the admissions desk celebrating Black Artists on view.
• In-person Docent tours are also available celebrating Black Artists on view and Highlights from the Museum Collection. Space is limited. Click here to reserve a tour.

Thursday February 10, 2022 / 5 to 7 pm

The E&J Movement: Motown, Rhythm and Blues, and Smooth Jazz

• Listen to some of your favorite Motown songs while learning about this history with someone who was actually there!

 Thursday February 17, 2022 / 5:30 to 7 pm

“A Comprehensive Timeline of Racism, Antisemitism and Sexuality Discrimination in Palm Springs” Public Talk with the Palm Springs Historical Society

• Renee Brown, Director of Education and Associate Curator at Palm Springs Historical Society, will discuss the barriers that keep many people from obtaining what is commonly referred to as the “American Dream.” 
• Historically in Palm Springs, these barriers have included income, race, religion, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation injustices. Brown’s timeline will illustrate the complex layers of decisions made by federal, state, and local governments as well as by the people of a sovereign nation, the Cahuilla Indians and the effects those decisions had on the development of the City of Palm Springs.
• Seating in the Lecture Hall is limited and available first come first serve.

Thursday February 24, 2022 / 5:30 to 7 pm

“People Who Filled Their Seats,” a Public Talk with Local Artist Deborah McDuff Williams

• A selection of Deborah McDuff Williams’s work is on view throughout February on the main level of the museum.
• There are many kinds of seats: Seats at the top. Seats at the table. Bus seats. Front seats. Back seats. Are you comfortable in your own seat? What seat are you willing to fill to help out your community?
• Before Rosa Parks, Claudette Colvin was arrested at the age of 15 for refusing to give up her seat to a white woman on a segregated bus. The artwork of Deborah McDuff Williams introduces other Black American pioneers who helped pave the way for the celebrated heroes that have filled important seats in Black history.
• Deborah McDuff Williams earned a Bachelor's Degree from Antioch University and an MFA in Visual Arts from Lesley University. She considers her practice a tool to bring about more human understanding of social justice issues in our society through the arts. Williams lives and works in Desert Hot Springs, California.