Last Updated on February 18, 2024 by BVN
Ellen Perrault
In honor of Black History Month, on Sunday, February 18, beginning at 3:00 pm, the survivors and supporters of Palm Springs Section 14, and a coalition of community organizations will unite for a Prayer Vigil at The Church of St. Paul in the Desert in Palm Springs located at 125 W El Alameda, Palm Springs. The prayer vigil will serve as the cornerstone event of a citywide day of prayer.
Section 14 is a one-square-mile tract in downtown Palm Springs where a predominantly Black and Latino community was razed to the ground by city officials in the 1960s to make way for commercial development. Section 14 is located in the heart of the city’s downtown.
Joining as an honored guest at the day’s signature event will be renowned national civil rights leader, prophetic pastor, and advocate for racial justice, Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes III of Friendship-West Baptist Church. Dr. Haynes recently succeeded Rev. Jesse Jackson as President of the international human and civil rights organization, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
The Rainbow PUSH Coalition is a multi-racial, progressive, international organization fighting for social change. For several decades, Rev. Dr. Haynes has been a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice, urging faith communities to take an active role in addressing the need for systemic change.
On Sunday, this cross-faith alliance will call on people of all faiths across Palm Springs and beyond to pray for healing for the city, its leaders, and the survivors and descendants of Section 14, who continue their quest for restorative justice. Survivors and descendants of Section 14 (some Spanish speaking) will also be available for media interviews.
The event is open to the public and all are encouraged to join.