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    • offerings
      • THE STORYTELLER
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      • HEY AESOP!
      • HARRIET TUBMAN
      • GRANNY GOOSE
      • LOL 4 REAL!
      • I DREAMT, MLK JR
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      • ABOUT DUNBAR
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      • POET
      • BOOKS, VIDEOS & MORE
    • WORKSHOPS
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    • APPLAUSE
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    • ABOUT ONI
  • WELCOME
  • offerings
    • THE STORYTELLER
    • ANANSI TIME
    • GIRL FRIENDS!
    • MAMA EARTH
    • HEY AESOP!
    • HARRIET TUBMAN
    • GRANNY GOOSE
    • LOL 4 REAL!
    • I DREAMT, MLK JR
  • PODCASTS
  • PAUL L. DUNBAR
    • ABOUT DUNBAR
    • LOVE OF DUNBAR
    • 'LIAS' MOTHER
    • ALWAYS FREE
  • AUNTI ONI
  • APPEARANCES
  • PERFORMANCE POET
    • POET
    • BOOKS, VIDEOS & MORE
  • WORKSHOPS
  • INTERVIEWS
  • APPLAUSE
  • Fee/HONORARIUM
  • ABOUT ONI

Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary Celebration of Paul Laurence Dunbar 2022-2023

Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary Celebration of Paul Laurence Dunbar 2022-2023

Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary Celebration of Paul Laurence Dunbar 2022-2023

Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary Celebration of Paul Laurence Dunbar 2022-2023

Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary Celebration of Paul Laurence Dunbar 2022-2023

Sesquicentennial (150th) Anniversary Celebration of Paul Laurence Dunbar 2022-2023

Love Of Dunbar

Paul Laurence Dunbar

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.

"Dunbar is a true singer of all people, African, Asian and Europeans."


The New York Times

Why Dunbar?

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!

~ Feedback & Kudos ~

"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

Program Offerings & Love of Dunbar Artists

Dunbar's Children

Historical Figures

Dunbar's Children

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.

Voices Of Dunbar

Historical Figures

Dunbar's Children

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


Historical Figures

Historical Figures

Historical Figures

MIDDLE SCHOOLS - SENIORS

~

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


Sarah Addison

Nzinga El~Asele

Historical Figures

Juba The Storyteller

Las Cruces, New Mexico

~

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."

Josie Bailey

Nzinga El~Asele

Nzinga El~Asele

Stories by Josie

Atlanta, Georgia

~

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!

Nzinga El~Asele

Nzinga El~Asele

Nzinga El~Asele

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."




Jody Fitterer

Bettye Haskins

Bettye Haskins

Mt. Rainier, Maryland  

~

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."


Bettye Haskins

Bettye Haskins

Bettye Haskins

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." 


Alan Kaufman

Bettye Haskins

Alan Kaufman

 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."

~ Feedback & Kudos ~

 "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

Donna Marie Kuczynski

Donna Marie Kuczynski

Donna Marie Kuczynski

Storyteller

Amherst, Ohio

~

 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."


Oni Lasana

Donna Marie Kuczynski

Donna Marie Kuczynski

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." 

Bowen Lee

Donna Marie Kuczynski

Marilyn McPhie

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." 

Marilyn McPhie

Gail Weaver Mello

Marilyn McPhie

Storyteller

San Diego, California

~

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." 



Marin Magat

Gail Weaver Mello

Gail Weaver Mello

Storyteller

Portland, Maine

~

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."




Gail Weaver Mello

Gail Weaver Mello

Gail Weaver Mello

Storyteller & Writer

Rimrock, Arizona

~

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." 

Ralph Moon

Peadar Murphy

Peadar Murphy

Educator

Cincinnati, Ohio

~

On Dunbar

"I love presenting Dunbar recitations because I am privileged to keep alive the great memory and talent of a prolific Black Man."

Peadar Murphy

Peadar Murphy

Peadar Murphy

Educator & Storyteller

Carryduff, Ireland

~

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." 

~ Feedback & Kudos ~

 "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

Honorariums

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!


Contact Us

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~ Feedback & Kudos ~

 "We loved it, it was excellent!"  

Caren Hudson, Raleigh, North Carolina 

Love Of Dunbar Virtual Meetup

Literary Discussions & Performance Meetup 

Join us every Thursdays 2-4 PM or 7-9 PM EDT 

Register here

Learn more about Dunbar!

Elementary School

Middle Schools

Mrs. LaVerne Sci, Dunbar Historian

A inside look into Dunbar's legacy.

Keep A Pluggin' Away

An encouraging poem for one and all! 

In The Morning

 Dunbar's most loved and recited poem. 


Encouragement

Dunbar's southern love plea by Josie Bailey, Storyteller.


Stay tuned for more video's from the LOVE OF DUNBAR artists!

Wright University Archives

Explore here

Encouraged by Paul Laurence Dunbar

"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"

~ Feedback & Kudos & more!~

"Wow! His poetry is da bomb.com!"

Jennifer A. - Wilmington, Delaware


Check out! 

LOVE OF DUNBAR! STORY BEAST STORYTELLING ARTICLE 

Life ~ Poetry ~ Stories

@

PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR.ORG

Visit Here

#Dunbar150

Find out more

 © 2022 Oni Lasana Productions

All Rights Reserved


    

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