Downtown in Little Rock in Pulaski County, Arkansas — The American South (West South Central)
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 5, 2022
1. Paul Laurence Dunbar High School Marker
Named in honor of the outstanding “Poet Laureate” of the Negro race, was dedicated April 14, 1930 to replace Gibbs High School. Previously named The Negro School of Industrial Arts, Dunbar was a Junior-Senior high school offering general education, college preparatory, and terminal trade courses until 1955. Dunbar Jr. College was housed on the second floor. A Julius Rosenwald grant of $67,500.00 and $30,000.00 from the school district promoted efforts to build the $0.5 million facility. Principals of Dunbar were Dr. John H. Lewis, Dr. William H. Martin, and Dr. LeRoy M. Christophe.
Erected by Dunbar Historic Neighborhood Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education. In addition, it is included in the Rosenwald Schools series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 14, 1930.
Location. 34° 43.927′ N, 92° 17.163′ W. Marker is in Little Rock, Arkansas, in Pulaski County. It is in Downtown. Marker is at the intersection of Wright Avenue and South Ringo Street, on the right when traveling west on Wright Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1100 Wright Avenue, Little Rock AR 72206, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Pi Lambda Chapter Founded (approx. ¼ mile away); Pearson-Robinson House
this page online
Regarding Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. After Little Rock [Central] High School was completed in 1927, School Board member G. DeMatt Henderson, Sr., believed that a new high school for African-American students also should be built. He went to Chicago at his own expense and secured a grant from Sears, Roebuck & Co. executive and philanthropist Julius Rosenwald to help fund the construction of this new school.
Also see . . .
1. Dunbar Junior and Senior High School and Junior College (PDF). National Register of Historic Places nomination for the school, which was listed in 1980. (National Archives) (Submitted on November 28, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, November 5, 2022
2. Paul Laurence Dunbar High School Marker
Dunbar is now a magnet middle school offering an International Studies program for gifted students.
2. Paul Laurence Dunbar. Wikipedia entry on the African American poet, novelist, and short story writer. (Submitted on November 28, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)
Unknown via Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (Public Domain), circa 1905
3. Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872-1906)
He was one of the first African-American writers to establish an international reputation. In addition to his poems, short stories, and novels, he also wrote the lyrics for the musical comedy In Dahomey (1903), the first all-African-American musical produced on Broadway.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 28, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 149 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 28, 2022, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
