History and Legacy of Dunbar High/Middle Magnet School

Located at 1100 Wright Avenue in Little Rock, Arkansas, Dunbar Middle Magnet School has been a beacon of education, resilience, and cultural significance for nearly a century. Built in 1929, the school was initially known as the Negro School of Industrial Arts before being renamed in honor of African-American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar (1872–1906). Designed in the striking Art Deco style by Wittenberg & Delony, it stands as a testament to the community’s determination to provide quality education despite systemic inequality.

A Trailblazing Institution

Dunbar was more than a school—it was a center of excellence for African-American education. From 1929 to 1955, it served as a junior high, senior high, and junior college, offering both liberal arts and vocational curricula. It became one of only two Southern industrial arts schools to receive junior college accreditation from the North Central Accreditation Association. This recognition positioned Dunbar as a gateway to higher education for African-American students nationwide.

The school’s significance extended beyond academics, hosting visits from prominent figures like Eleanor Roosevelt, Duke Ellington, and General Benjamin O. Davis Sr. Its role in the Civil Rights Movement further cemented its legacy, including the landmark Morris v. Williams case led by Dunbar teacher Sue Cowan Williams, which won equal pay for African-American educators.

A Center of Culture and Advocacy

Architecturally, Dunbar is a stunning example of Art Deco design, featuring intricate polychrome brickwork and Collegiate Gothic influences. While smaller in scale than Little Rock Central High School, its elegant design and enduring craftsmanship reflect the pride of the community that brought it to life with support from the Julius Rosenwald Fund and other local contributions.

After serving as a high school and junior college, Dunbar transitioned to a junior high school in 1955 during the tumultuous era of desegregation. Many of its students, including members of the Little Rock Nine, went on to make history at Central High School in the fight for integration.

Dunbar Today

In 1999, Dunbar was reimagined as a magnet middle school, continuing its tradition of fostering academic and cultural excellence. Today, it remains a vital part of the community, contributing to the rich legacy of the Paul Laurence Dunbar School Neighborhood Historic District.

As a symbol of perseverance, education, and progress, Dunbar Middle Magnet School continues to inspire future generations while preserving its remarkable history..