B safe B Well B Love
B safe B Well B Love
1872-1906 Dayton, Ohio
Welcome to Love Of Dunbar!
A collective of professional Creative Educators, Storytellers, Musicians and Poets.
We study and perform the poetry and folktales of America's Shakespeare, Father of The Spoken Word Movement, Poet, Author and Literary Humanitarian, Paul Laurence Dunbar.
The New York Times
Paul Laurence Dunbar was born 150 years ago to Joshua and Matilda Dunbar, former enslaved Africans in America. From the age of 16 he published 12 books of poetry, four novels, four books of short stories and wrote lyrics to songs, more than any African American writer before 1950.
Dunbar was hailed as "The poet of his people" by abolitionist
and freedom fighter Frederick Douglas.
Dunbar's portrait was featured on a United States postage stamp in 1975.
In 2022 the United States Government issued a Paul Laurence Dunbar Commemorative Gold Coin and his image will also grace driver's license plates in the state of Ohio.
Dunbar is worthy of a Pulitzer Prize, as many schools, streets and buildings
are named in honor of his literary excellence and trailblazing voice.
~ THE LOVE OF DUNBAR ARTISTS ~
Recognize and hold in high esteem Dunbar's legacy in American Literature and Culture. Some of us have grew up listening to Dunbar, other's have recently discovered his genius.
In February of 2022, we participated in Oni Lasana Productions,
virtual workshop, "You Can Do Dunbar! Add Him To Your Repertoire!"
presented by Story Crossroads, Inc. & Artists Standing Strong Together, Inc.
Since March 2022, we gather weekly in the LOVE OF DUNBAR
virtual meetup to research, discuss, recite, rehearse and
perform his works.
On June 11, 2022 we presented VOICES OF DUNBAR! a virtual montage of poetry, music and songs to rave reviews.
~ THE PROGRAMS ~
Dunbar's Children : Elementary Schools
Voices of Dunbar : Middle Schools to Adults
Customized Themes on Civil War, Love, Nature and Historical Figures
Our programs will spread the word on Dunbar's 150th Anniversary #Dunbar150, and continue to share the timeless beauty and diversity of his prose and poetic short stories with youth and adults.
Our mission is to educate, entertain and foster appreciation for Dunbar's brilliant life, poetry, prose and folktales for a new generation,
while also delighting longtime fans.
~ THE DUNBAR EXPERIENCE ~
Virtually on ZOOM
This is how we do it....
Dramatically ~ Educationally ~ Joyfully ~ Interactively ~ Musically
HISTORY: African American / Irish / Civil War Era
LITERARY ARTS: Unique use of Southern & Northern vernacular
MUSIC: Selected prose arranged to Country, Jazz, R&B, Calypso & Hip Hop
Our programs comply with the National Standard Curriculum NCTE: 1,2,3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12 and we offer a Teacher’s Aide for Elementary & Middle Schools.
What makes Dunbar so unique was his conversational poetics (Shakespearean style) with the voices of men and women. Also, his use of personification in animals and nature, tree's speaking etc.
We invite you to welcome us to present this virtual groundbreaking literary journey into the works of Paul Laurence Dunbar.
We will enhance your curriculum and enrich your community.
Inside a Dunbar experience, we reflect on our past, appreciate our present connections and envision a future of cultural consciousness.
Yes! It is our hope that Dunbar's works will lead you to discover
the rich inclusiveness of our human feelings and thoughts.
A Paul Laurence Dunbar enrichment program will no doubt inspire your students and community to wax poetic, write and create literature
and history from their personal experiences.
HEADS UP!
While some of Dunbar's southern writings used during his lifetime is unfortunately, obsolete and offensive, WE seek to elevate.
How?
We, the LOVE OF DUNBAR ARTISTS, have consciously embraced creative license by substituting negative words and descriptions, with positive vernacular in order to reflect the dignity and respect of today's society.
~
Book a program today!
"I am a new Dunbar fan and I liked the enthusiasm the Love of Dunbar artists had for his works. Voices of Dunbar program made me want to learn more!"
B. Rogers, Educator & Storyteller - Philadelphia, PA
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
~
PROGRAM 1
Theme: At Home
In The Morning
When De Corn Pone's Hot
Opportunity
A Cabin Tale
A Grievance
The Boogah Man
Sandman & Johnny Speaks
PROGRAM 2
Theme: Outdoor Adventures
The Capture
A Boys Summer Song
Till The Wind Get Right
Disappointed
The Seedling
Winters Approach
Keep A Pluggin' Away
~ ~ ~
Prose from programs 1 & 2 can be combined within time limits.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - UNIVERSITY
~
Sympathy aka "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings"
Dreams
Vagrants
Angelina
The Haunted Oak
We Wear The Mask
The Corn Stalk Fiddle
When Malindy Sings
Encouragement
Circumstances Alter Cases
Made To Order Smile
A Negro Love Song
At Sunset Time
A Virginia Reel
MIDDLE SCHOOLS - SENIORS
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Whistlin' Sam
Ode To Ethiopia
Abraham Lincoln
Harriet Beecher Stowe
When Dey 'Listed Colored Soldiers
An Ante-Bellum Sermon
John Boyle O'Reilly
When Malindy Sings
Frederick Douglas
The Colored Soldiers
Robert Gould Shaw
How Lucy Backslid
The Party, a Juneteenth Celebration
Juba The Storyteller
Las Cruces, New Mexico
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On Dunbar
"My mother introduced me to Dunbar at a very young age. I fell in love with his writings and he became my mentor. His legacy of poems, essays, and stories should be heard so they will never be forgotten."
Stories by Josie
Atlanta, Georgia
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On Dunbar
"I fell in love with Dunbar’s poem “In the Morning” as a child and the poem has followed me for the past fifty years!
Poet & Storyteller
Philadelphia, PA
~
On Dunbar
"I feel like Dunbar gives us the magic of poetry as well as its versatility. He paints pictures with his words.
I find lost melodies, images, characters.
His metaphors I adore. Justice and injustice and different world views.
He makes me laugh, think and dream."
Mt. Rainier, Maryland
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On Dunbar
"Dunbar's poetry helped me see American history and literature in a brand new light. The tragedy of slavery and his overcoming prejudices in his day, is a great example of overcoming for everyone, young and old.
Dunbar works should be extensively studied in all schools curriculum's."
Educator & Storyteller
Baltimore, Maryland
~
On Dunbar
"Dunbar's works are not only entertaining, they contain many layers of complexity that always have you asking "what does that mean?"
It is the search for those meanings that keep Dunbar alive for me."
Musician & Yodeler
Reading, Massachusetts
~
On Dunbar
"The poetry of Dunbar is so musical, his timing rhythms, cadences, it all resonates with the deepest part of my soul. I find his poetry astonishingly accessible to me as a musician."
"This was such an invigorating way to experience poetry as well as being so easily accessible due to the zoom format. Amazing stuff, can’t wait for more!!
Simon Gibson, Ireland
Storyteller
Amherst, Ohio
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On Dunbar
"A man of such sensitivity and compassion Paul Laurence Dunbar could feel the pain of a perfect stranger and put into words that which would be soothing to him and yet allow for another to empathize. He had a wicked sense of humor and found joy in the smallest of God given gifts."
Teaching Artist, Storyteller & Poet
Philadelphia, PA
~
On Dunbar
"He's my main muse! I love the drama, humor and pathos of his genius. Though he wrote over a 100 years ago, his love, self-reflection and insight into human nature, is timeless.
Dunbar's creative historical reach and literary range touches the heart of all humanity, no matter race, creed or age."
Teaching Artist & Storyteller
Moss Landing, California
~
On Dunbar
"I am blown away by the depth and scope and beauty of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s work. His words must be spoken out loud to fully appreciate their mastery. He is an inspiration and mentor to us all on the power of words."
Storyteller
San Diego, California
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On Dunbar
"My mother's mother went to college in the early years of the last century, majoring in elocution. One of her favorite recitations - which always made me smile -- was Dunbar's poem "When Angelina Johnson comes a-swingin' down the line."
Storyteller
Portland, Maine
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On Dunbar
"Dunbar wrote more than a century ago, yet when I recite "the Mask" I find myself in tears uncovering layer after layer of what applies to us now, after 2 years of our first pandemic. But also in the way we, as a culture, still wear a mask to fit in and survive.. yet how much we ache to be rid of it."
Storyteller & Writer
Rimrock, Arizona
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On Dunbar
"The poetry and writing of Paul Laurence Dunbar are for everyone - young and old, all nationalities and races. Funny poems, serious poems, poems about love, life and loss. There is a depth to his work that show he had wisdom beyond his years. Poems written over 100 years ago transcend time and touch my heart today."
Educator
Cincinnati, Ohio
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On Dunbar
"I love presenting Dunbar recitations because I am privileged to keep alive the great memory and talent of a prolific Black Man."
Educator & Storyteller
Carryduff, Ireland
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On Dunbar
"In the workshop, I was immediately captivated with “We wear the Mask” and “Sympathy” it touched my heart and soul.
As an Irishman, I still feel a strange sort of kinship or empathy with those who had been so mis-treated.
The more I learn about the poet and his work, the more I admire both."
"I learned a lot about Dunbar. Even though he passed at the early age of 33, he created a treasure trove from his life as a Black American.
Long live Paul L. Dunbar!"
Nashid Ali aka Pop Pop Grow Sumtin', WURD Radio Personality , Upper Darby, PA
While we do have base fees, programs are customized to our clients needs in terms of length and time.
Please contact us at the form below so we can plan something
special together to meet your budget.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Thank ya kindly!
"We loved it, it was excellent!"
Caren Hudson, Raleigh, North Carolina
Literary Discussions & Performance Meetup
Join us every Thursdays 2-4 PM or 7-9 PM EDT
A inside look into Dunbar's legacy.
An encouraging poem for one and all!
Dunbar's most loved and recited poem.
Dunbar's southern love plea by Josie Bailey, Storyteller.
Stay tuned for more video's from the LOVE OF DUNBAR artists!
"Because you love me I have much achieved,
Had you despised me then I must have failed,
But since I knew you trusted and believed
I could not disappoint you and so prevailed"
"Wow! His poetry is da bomb.com!"
Jennifer A. - Wilmington, Delaware
Check out!
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All Rights Reserved
~ THANKS FOR VISITING ~