P. L. Dunbar Middle School recognized for 100 years of educating students in Lynchburg

LYNCHBURG Va. (WFXR) — One middle school in Hill City was recognized for its history and for educating students in the community for 100 years.

On Tuesday, May 7, Delegate Wendell Walker presented a resolution commending Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School for Innovation for its 100 years of service to the Lynchburg community, and as a school for innovation for 30 years.

In early 2024, the General Assembly passed the resolution honoring the school’s significant impact which was presented to the school board during the meeting on Tuesday.

“As I talked to said this is around the city that at one time or another either they have been the Dunbar their parents or grandparents. Going back to 1920 when the Dunbar School was established, there was a lot. It has a period of interesting rich history, of course, the civil rights and the segregation movements,” said Walker. “Through it all, Dunbar has survived and has become a school of innovation.”

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In the early 1920s, the Black community in Lynchburg petitioned for the Lynchburg City School Board to add a new Black high school to the district. In 1923, Dunbar High School opened its doors and up to 90% of its graduates continued to higher education.

However, the desegregation of Lynchburg City Schools through the 1960s would result in the closure of Dunbar High School in 1970, and students began attending E. C. Glass High School.

In 1994, the school then reopened as Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School for Innovation. For 30 years the school has fostered the intellectual, social, and well-being of students.

Walker was the primary sponsor for the resolution.

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