Paul William Dunbar High School, Educational historic site in Bessemer, Alabama.
Paul William Dunbar High School is a three-story brick building with symmetrical windows across its main facade located in Bessemer. The structure displays architectural characteristics typical of early 20th-century educational institutions.
The school was founded in 1923 as Bessemer Colored High School and operated until 1980, serving African-American students during segregation. Its long operation reflects the educational struggles and achievements of the Black community during this period.
Arthur Shores taught here before becoming a civil rights attorney, shaping his early career at the institution. The school influenced generations of students who went on to work in art, activism, and community leadership.
The building sits at 2715 6th Avenue North and is easily visible from the street. The National Dunbar-Abrams Foundation has taken ownership and is working on renovations to transform it into a community center.
The school's football team, the Blue Devils, had a strong rivalry with Westfield High School. This matchup was memorable for many students and meant much to the local community.
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