3.1 Proclamation for Dunbar SchoolProclamation Celebrating 100th Anniversary of
Dunbar School
WHEREAS, Dunbar School, named after Black African American poet and
author Paul Laurence Dunbar, was established in 1922 for the education of
Black African American youth from kindergarten through eighth grade; and
WHEREAS, Dunbar School provided a nurturing environment that presented
students the opportunity to excel in the presence of staff and faculty that
modeled excellence, expected the best of them, and encouraged a love of
education; and
WHEREAS, Dunbar School was home to many notable individuals associated
with the name and memories of this school. Including the first Black African
American mayor of Salina, a state representative and member of the Kansas
School of Regents, Robert C. Caldwell. Mr. Caldwell was a former teacher and
principal at Dunbar School; and
WHEREAS, Dunbar School existed in Salina as a public school until it closed in
1955. The closing followed the Supreme court Brown vs Board of Education
of Topeka ruling of 1954 declaring separate schools based on skin color
illegal; and
WHEREAS, Dunbar School former students are slowly decreasing in numbers
as the years pass, descendants continue honoring the many movers and
shakers, believefs and achievers. Members of the Dunbar School Association
continue to keep the memory alive and honor those that paved the way for
generations to come; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and City
Commissioners of the City of Salina, do hereby recognize, as the 100t"
anniversary of Dunbar School and urge everyone to participate in the
numerous activities honoring the rich history of this educational institution.
Proclaimed this 7th day of November 2022
Trent W. Davis, Mayor
City of Salina