Welcome to The Love Of Dunbar Collective

Paul Laurence Dunbar was born to Joshua and Matilda Dunbar, former enslaved Africans in America on June 27, 1872. From the age of 16 to 33, he published 12 books of poetry, four novels, four books of short stories and wrote lyrics for Broadway musicals.

Dunbar published more than any African American writer before 1950. Paul was an assistant to freedom fighter and abolitionist Frederick Douglas, who hailed him as "The poet laureate of the Negro race and one of "his boys." 

In 1975 Dunbar's portrait was featured on a United States postage stamp. In 2022, #Dunbar150 - the United States Government issued a Paul Laurence Dunbar Commemorative Gold Coin and his image is also offered on driver's license plates in the state of Ohio. 

It is our opinion, Dunbar is worthy of a Pulitzer Prize, as many schools, streets and buildings are named in honor of his literary excellence and trailblazing voice. However, today some of these schools and places view Dunbar as history and may find little time to honor the significance and depth of his works. Dunbar is OUR story.

~ THE LOVE OF DUNBAR ARTISTS ~

Recognize and hold in high esteem Dunbar's legacy in American Literature, History and Culture. Some of us have grown up listening to Dunbar from our parents or teachers, while others have recently discovered his genius.

In February of 2022, many 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 have gathered as the LOVE OF DUNBAR COLLECTIVE in a virtual meetup to research, discuss, recite, rehearse and give voice to his spoken word poetry, exploring short stories and his life.

We welcome special guest speakers, scholars, authors, experts and poetry lovers to learn, recite, share knowledge and antidotes about the literary works and life of Paul Dunbar with us. 

~ VIRTUAL PRESENTATIONS ON ZOOM ~

•  June 11, 2022 produced and presented VOICES OF DUNBAR! a virtual montage of Dunbar's spoken words and songs to rave reviews. Sponsored by Story Crossroads, Inc. and Artists Standing Strong Together, Inc.

• October & November 2022  virtually presented the Brother Dunbar Spoken Word Workshop at The Sunlight Village of Dayton, Ohio

• December 31, 2022  presented "Winter Through The Eyes Of Dunbar" for Artists Standing Strong Together Story Blowout#3 

• February 9, 2023 : Remembering Dunbar 2023 presented a memorial tribute featuring poetry and short stories.

• June 15, 2023 : Dunbar! City to Country, presented a connection to the great migration of African Americans from the south to the north. 

• December 31, 2023 : Dunbar In Love virtually presented our favorite well known and unknown love poems. Artists Standing Strong Together, Story Blowout #4

• February 9, 2024 : 4th Annual Remembering Dunbar,

• April 12, 2024 : National Poetry Month, Circle Of Life...from dawn to dawn. Reminisce on your life story in Dunbar's spoken words.  

• MAY 10, 2024 : Oni Lasana Doin' Dunbar as 'Lias' Mother a widow tells stories of family and friends pre-Civil War. 

• JUNE 14, 2024 : JUNETEENTH...plantation to liberation -The Love of Dunbar Collective presents Dunbar's poetic tributes to events leading up to Juneteenth. 

 LOVE OF DUNBAR PROGRAM OFFERINGS 

(keep scrolling to see program descriptions)

DUNBAR'S YOUTH 

Elementary School

VOICES OF DUNBAR

Middle Schools to Seniors

CUSTOM THEMES

Circle Of Life, Activism, Civil War, Love, Nature, Historical Figures , Juneteenth and more. 

Our programs assisted in promoting Dunbar's 150th Anniversary #Dunbar150, and continue to share the timeless beauty 

and diversity of his prose for youth and adults.

Our mission is to educate, entertain and foster appreciation for Dunbar's life, spoken word poetry, prose and folktales to a new generation, while continuing to delight longtime fans.

~ THE LOVE OF DUNBAR EXPERIENCE ~

Virtually on ZOOM

This is how we do it....

 Dramatically ~ Educationally ~  Joyfully ~ Interactively ~ Musically

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.

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. 

What makes Dunbar so unique is his conversational spoken word (Shakespearean style) with voices of youth, women and men; also, the use of personification in animals and nature such as tree's speaking etc.

~ YOU ARE INVITED ~

To engage us to present a virtual groundbreaking Literary Arts, American History and musical experience. We will enrich your curriculum and enhance your community with A Love Of Dunbar program.  

 Our offerings of his spoken words and stories, 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 his rich inclusiveness of human thoughts and feelings. 

A Love of Dunbar enrichment program will no doubt encourage

your students and community to write and wax poetic. It will inspired them to present his works and or create prose and short stories from their own  experiences.

HEADS UP!

While some of Dunbar's southern writings used during his lifetime is obsolete and often offensive, WE seek to elevate.

HOW WE DO DUNBAR?

We, the LOVE OF DUNBAR COLLECTIVE consciously embrace creative license by substituting offensive words and descriptions common in Dunbar's day, with positive vernacular to reflect the dignity and respect of today.

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