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Jazzy 88.9 WCSU Salutes Black History Month - Paul Laurence Dunbar High School

February is Black History Month and Jazzy 88.9 WCSU is paying tribute to the many African-Americans who have made a difference in the Miami Valley. Today we salute Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. The school was originally conceived to educate younger grades. In 1931, it became the first historically black high school in Dayton, Ohio.

The district purchased four and half acres on Summit Street to construct the Junior High school named in honor of the World Renowned Poet and Dayton native. The building was completed in August, 1932 but did not open until the next school year due to lack of funds. The city of Dayton celebrated the new school opening with four days of festivities. Because of its popularity, the school quickly abandoned the original Junior High designation and a week before school started and became Dunbar High school with an enrollment of more than 850 students in grades seven through 10. The school's first principal was Frederic C. MacFarlane who came to Dayton from Gary, Indiana.

Because of a growing student body, by 1962 more than 1200 students moved into its new building at 2222 Richley Drive serving grades nine through 12. The former Dunbar on Summit Street became MacFarlane elementary school in honor of Dunbar's first principal. Since 1979, the Dunbar Alumni Association has been active in providing assistance to its Alma Mater through in-school programs, scholarship awards and grants along with hosting high school events. The group also hosts regular All-Class Reunions and is a leading participant in many area events commemorating Paul Laurence Dunbar, including the annual grave site memorial.

This Black History tribute is brought to you by your Miami Valley Jazz Authority, Jazzy 88.9 WCSU.

Robert Trent Newell - Broadcast Support Services Manager