Dunbar Blue Devils to be recognized at LSHS basketball game
The Dunbar School story is one is rich in history, traditions and memories. It includes barrier breaking achievements, championships, and a nucleus that is still intact over 52 years after the last class graduated from the high school on Smith Ave.
On Tuesday evening, February 1, Dunbar’s legacy will be on display as alums, former staff and those connected to the school will be recognized during halftime of Lexington Senior High School’s (LSHS) boys basketball games versus West Davidson. A special section will be reserved for attendees.
The idea to showcase Dunbar as more than just a memory is coming to fruition thanks to the minds of LSHS alumni, Bobby Wagner, Ishia Craven and Ronnie Beverly (who is also LSHS’ athletic director) and Dunbar High School alumna, Rev. Dr. Arnetta Beverly.
Wagner recalled a booster club meeting where he expressed his displeasure with what he sees as an erasure of Dunbar. “We can’t rely on the mayor or the city council to keep the Dunbar story alive so it’s up to us (LSHS). We must acknowledge the legacy of Dunbar.” Craven, who was at the meeting, agreed.
For Arnetta, it’s personal. A 1964 graduate of the school, the impact Dunbar has had on her is as prevalent then as it was when she was a student.
“My great-grandma, grandma and mama went to Dunbar when it only went to the 11th grade. We had some doggone good teachers. They cared about us, encouraged us and supported us. They knew our families. What they did was for the benefit of the child. That was the village for those of us who went to Dunbar. It was wonderful.”
Although she was no longer in school when integration happened in Lexington, she been able to see up close how Dunbar’s story has been repressed.
“After integration, it seems as if the story of Dunbar got absorbed into the story of Lexington Senior High. A lot of our trophies, certificates and honors have been lost, disposed or stolen.”
During a conversation with her son, the idea for Dunbar Night began to take shape.
“I was telling him about how great Dunbar was and how Dunbar has produced secret service agents, doctors and lawyers. A lot of people who went to Dunbar helped build Lexington. They were part of championship teams. He said something about recognizing Dunbar and that just took off. He decided it could be done during halftime at a boy’s basketball game.”
During the intermission, Arnetta will speak and those who proudly bear the title of Dunbar Blue Devils will be acknowledged. Going forward, the alumna’s hoping Dunbar Night will prompt more to want to learn about the school’s rich history.
“Come to the game and celebrate Dunbar.”
