PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (CNS) — City officials invite community members to a series of events planned by the city's Black History Month Committee starting Thursday.

The city will host 11 events this month starting with a kickoff and opening reception at the Palm Springs Art Museum, 101 North Museum Drive, Thursday at 5:30 p.m., according to Palm Springs communications director Amy Blaisdell. The event will feature the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Drill team and Drum Squad.

The 36th Annual Black History Awards Gala will be held Saturday at 6 p.m. in the Hilton, 400 East Tahquitz Canyon Way. Individuals and organizations who have contributed or allied the success of African American achievements will be recognized through the night.

On Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m., a performance of "The Other Side," will be held at the art museum's Annenberg Theatre, presented by Empower You Entertainment and the county's National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Youth Council.

A "Sip n' Paint" fundraiser will be held Feb. 11 at 4 p.m. in the Antigua Kitchen and Bar, 105 South Palm Canyon Drive, followed by a lecture from a Haitian playwright Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the art musuem, Blaisdell said.

A men's basketball tournament will be held Feb. 18, followed by a caravan and a concert Feb. 20, a musical performance Feb. 23, and a "Taste of Soul" event Feb. 24 before the events come to an end Feb. 25 with the 36th annual Black History Parade and Town Fair.