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In honor of Black History Month, we proudly spotlight the Black pioneers, business owners, and community leaders whose vision, resilience, and dedication have helped shape the Coachella Valley into the vibrant community it is today. Through this series, we celebrate the lasting impact of their contributions, recognize their achievements, and uplift the stories that continue to inspire future generations.
In 1943 Goldist Roberson came to California from Texas in search for work. He married Hattie Lou Roberson & they had four children, Lester, Ora Lee, Nee, Claude and Henry. He found agricultural jobs & worked as a laborer for the Ivy Ranch & bucked hay for Ivan Duncan. But he is best known as a labor contractor for the cotton growers. Due to his hard work he built a home for his family and is considered one of the 1st black settlers who contributed to the establishment of support basis for other black people who came to Coachella Valley for a better life.
Susie Whitman Maddox came to Indio, California 1931. She worked for the Pawley Family and Judge Kirby Hester. She was an entrepreneur and owned several businesses in Indio, a laundry shop and a restaurant named “The Susie Q Cafe”.
Mitchell & Melvina McDowell moved to Indio, California from Texas in the early 40s. They had seven children. After several years living in Indio they purchased a 40 acre ranch in Thermal, California. Mitchell & Melvina both took care of the ranch, cattle, tractors & other farm equipment even though they both had handicap challenges requiring them to depend on crutches. But with their hard work ethic they made a living for their family.
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All information courtesy of the Coachella Valley History Museum Archives.
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