Dunbar School (Phoenix, Arizona)

Dunbar School was a segregated school for African American children in Phoenix, Arizona, operating from the 1920s until desegregation in the mid-1950s. Initially located in various temporary locations, a permanent school building was constructed in 1926 at 7th Avenue and Grant Street. The school was named in honor of Paul Laurence Dunbar, a prominent African American poet. Dunbar School served as a vital community hub for Phoenix's Black community, providing not only education but also a space for social gatherings and cultural events during a time of widespread racial discrimination. The school played a significant role in fostering a sense of identity and pride among its students. Following desegregation, Dunbar School closed, and the building was repurposed. Its legacy remains important to understanding the history of segregation and education in Phoenix.