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Banning's Black History and the Hollywood Switcheroo! The city of Banning has an interesting Black history. In 1942, the Wilkens and Swait families migrated from Oklahoma and the Blythe-Indio area of California to become the first African Americans to settle in Banning. However, a larger inf lux of Black families arrived in the 1950s due to a "Hollywood Shuff le." Hollywood discovered Palm Springs during the 1930s at a time when the city struggled with its identity. City planners, aiming to attract Hollywood celebrities and tourism, devised a grand plan to build hotels in the downtown area. This vision clashed with the reality of Section 14, a nearby 640-acre neighborhood where a thriving Black working-class community resided. As part of their strategy, in 1951 the City of Palm Springs issued eviction notices to all residents of Section 14. Some families returned from work to find their homes and belongings destroyed by fire. Stepping in to help facilitate the movement, Dunes Construction Company built an 85-home subdivision north of Palm Springs to relocate the displaced families. This triggered a six-year "Black Exodus" where hundreds of African Americans moved from Palm Springs to Banning. Many of them had to commute back to Palm Springs for work until they retired. Despite the initial challenges of racial integration in Banning, by the late 1950s and 60s, many businesses along East Ramsey Street catered to the Black community. Several Black churches existed: First Missionary Baptist Church, The Church of God in Christ, The Fountain of Life Church, and Shiloh Baptist Church. Nightlife also f lourished, with at least three all-Black nightclubs: "The Elbow Room," "We-2," and "Guys and Dolls." Fast forward to the present: Emil and Michelle Kincey, both Banning natives, met in middle school in 1980. Emil, the class president, and football star wore a swoon-worthy Jheri Curl that charmed Michelle. After high school, Emil became a truck driver, while Michelle pursued a career in health care. In 1991, they married and raised their family in Banning. Recently, they purchased a home in Four Seasons, starting a new chapter in the city next door. AACC Upcoming events: Club Meeting – Monday, May 6 Shimmy Mob – Saturday, May 11 Juneteenth Celebration – Saturday, June 22 For more information contact, Jocelyn Doucette at jocelynd0512@ hotmail.com. ~ Regina omas 46 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MAY 2024 African American Cultural Club e Kinceys purchased their Four Seasons home on Jan. 24, 2024. Banning's first Black family, Clifford and Survator Wilkens arrived in 1942.

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