✊ Honoring Juneteenth in Palm Springs: A Time for Reflection and Action

At The Paul Kaplan Group, we believe that being part of a vibrant community means recognizing both its beauty and its history—no matter how complex. As we commemorate Juneteenth, we are reminded of the importance of honoring freedom, amplifying voices that have been historically marginalized, and working toward a more inclusive future here in Palm Springs and beyond.

📖 A Brief History of Juneteenth

Juneteenth—celebrated each year on June 19th—marks the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It's a day that symbolizes the delayed but eventual triumph of freedom and is now recognized as a federal holiday.

But freedom on paper doesn’t always mean freedom in practice.

🕰️ Palm Springs’ Past: Facing Our History

Like many American cities, Palm Springs has a complex racial history—one that isn't often highlighted in tourism brochures.

During much of the 20th century, racially restrictive covenants were common in real estate. These written agreements barred people of color—including Black, Latino, Asian, and Jewish individuals—from owning or renting property in many neighborhoods. Even if unenforced today, remnants of these restrictions can still be found in historic property records.

Many Black visitors and residents were historically relegated to the Section 14 area—tribal land later demolished in the 1960s, displacing entire families in the name of urban development. Meanwhile, local businesses often excluded non-white patrons, and many hotels operated under "whites-only" policies well into the 1960s.

These are not easy truths, but they are necessary ones.

💬 Why Juneteenth Matters for Local Businesses

As business owners and community members, Juneteenth gives us an opportunity to listen, learn, and lead. It’s not just about a day off or a social media post—it’s about asking: What are we doing to create a more inclusive Palm Springs?

🌱 How We Can Honor Juneteenth & Build a More Diverse Community

Here are a few ways local businesses—especially in industries like real estate—can make a lasting difference:

1. Acknowledge the Past

• Be honest about the legacy of exclusion in real estate.

• If you work in housing, understand the history of redlining and covenants in your own market—and talk about it.

2. Support Black-Owned Businesses

• Promote and collaborate with Black-owned restaurants, shops, and service providers in Palm Springs.

• Highlight them in newsletters, events, or community spotlights.

3. Diversify Representation

• Ensure marketing materials, website images, and team photos reflect the diversity of the community.

• Showcase inclusive, welcoming spaces for all people, regardless of race, gender, or background.

4. Educate Yourself and Your Team

• Learn about systemic inequality in housing.

• Encourage ongoing anti-bias training and cultural awareness in your office.

5. Engage with Local Initiatives

• Attend or sponsor events that celebrate diversity and Black culture in the Coachella Valley.

• Partner with organizations advocating for fair housing, equity, and justice.

🏡 Equal Housing is Not Optional—It’s the Law

As licensed real estate professionals in California, we are held to high ethical and legal standards when it comes to fair housing and anti-discrimination. The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) strictly prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, disability, and source of income. These protections align with the Federal Fair Housing Act, overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

At The Paul Kaplan Group, we take these policies seriously and are committed to providing equal and inclusive service to every client. Upholding fair housing practices isn’t just our legal obligation—it’s a core value that guides how we operate every day.

📌 You can learn more by visiting the California DRE’s Anti-Discrimination Resources or reviewing HUD’s Fair Housing Overview.

❤️ Moving Forward—Together

At The Paul Kaplan Group, we recognize that we operate on land with a layered and sometimes painful past. But we also believe in the power of real estate to build community, foster belonging, and create opportunity.

This Juneteenth, we recommit to being better listeners, stronger allies, and more intentional neighbors.

Let’s use this day not just to reflect, but to act—so that Palm Springs continues to grow into the inclusive, welcoming place it truly has the potential to be.