The Remarkable Legacy Of Dunbar: America's First Black Public High School

The Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C., holds a significant place in American history as the first public high school for African Americans. Established in 1870, this institution has left an indelible mark on the education system and continues to inspire generations with its remarkable legacy.

The Birth of Dunbar High School

At a time when racial segregation was prevalent in the United States, Dunbar High School emerged as a beacon of hope for the Black community. Named after famed poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, the school was initially established as the Preparatory High School for Colored Youth.

The founding of Dunbar High School was a direct response to the significant disparities in educational opportunities for Black students during the post-Civil War era. Determined to provide quality education and uplift the community, a group of activists and educators led by O.M. Mitchell advocated for the establishment of a public high school for African Americans.

First Class: The Legacy of Dunbar, America’s First Black Public High School

by Alison Stewart (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3090 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	356 pages
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A Pillar of Academic Excellence

From its inception, Dunbar High School set high standards of academic excellence and became renowned for its rigorous curriculum. Despite facing limited resources and discrimination, the school produced exceptional scholars, many of whom went on to excel in various fields.

The faculty at Dunbar included highly qualified and passionate educators who nurtured the students' talents and instilled a strong work ethic. The supportive environment and emphasis on intellectual growth propelled Dunbar to become a formidable force in education, not just for Black students but for the entire nation.

Notable Alumni and Their Achievements

Dunbar High School boasts an impressive list of alumni who have made significant contributions to society. Among the school's notable graduates are:

1. Dr. Charles Drew

The renowned surgeon and medical researcher played a pivotal role in developing blood banks and made groundbreaking advancements in the field of blood transfusion.

2. Elizabeth Catlett

A celebrated artist and sculptor, Catlett's work focused on the African American experience and played a vital role in promoting social justice.

3. Robert C. Weaver

Weaver became the first African American to hold a Cabinet position, serving as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Lyndon B. Johnson.

4. Nannie Helen Burroughs

Burroughs was a prominent educator, orator, and feminist who played a crucial role in advancing education and women's rights for African Americans.

The Impact on Education Equality

The accomplishments of Dunbar High School and its graduates challenged the prevailing racist beliefs about the intellectual capabilities of African Americans. The school became a shining example of what Black students could achieve when provided with equal educational opportunities.

Dunbar's success paved the way for other public high schools exclusively for Black students across the country. It became a source of inspiration and encouraged communities to demand better educational resources for their children, regardless of their race.

The Dilution of Dunbar's Legacy

Unfortunately, over the years, factors such as the integration of schools, changes in demographics, and socio-economic issues led to a decline in Dunbar's academic performance. The school faced challenges in maintaining its reputation and struggling with the same educational disparities it once fought against.

However, efforts are being made to reclaim the glory of Dunbar High School. The alumni, community organizations, and educators are working together to recreate the supportive environment, nurture talent, and restore the school's legacy of producing exceptional graduates.

Preserving the Inspiration

While the educational landscape has evolved, Dunbar High School's legacy continues to inspire students and educators alike. The school stands as a testament to the power of determination, resilience, and the quest for knowledge.

Through preserving its history, acknowledging its achievements, and learning from its challenges, we can ensure that the legacy of Dunbar High School remains an integral part of American education and a constant reminder of the importance of equal opportunities for all.

First Class: The Legacy of Dunbar, America’s First Black Public High School

by Alison Stewart (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3090 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	356 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Combining a fascinating history of the first U.S. high school for African Americans with an unflinching analysis of urban public-school education today, First Class explores an underrepresented and largely unknown aspect of black history while opening a discussion on what it takes to make a public school successful. In 1870, in the wake of the Civil War, citizens of Washington, DC, opened the Preparatory High School for Colored Youth, the first black public high school in the United States; it would later be renamed Dunbar High and would flourish despite Jim Crow laws and segregation. Dunbar attracted an extraordinary faculty: its early principal was the first black graduate of Harvard, and at a time it had seven teachers with PhDs, a medical doctor, and a lawyer. During the school’s first 80 years, these teachers would develop generations of highly educated, successful African Americans, and at its height in the 1940s and ’50s, Dunbar High School sent 80 percent of its students to college. Today, as in too many failing urban public schools, the majority of Dunbar students are barely proficient in reading and math. Journalist and author Alison Stewart—whose parents were both Dunbar graduates—tells the story of the school’s rise, fall, and possible resurgence as it looks to reopen its new, state-of-the-art campus in the fall of 2013.