Feb 11

Feb 11 Black History Month: Preserving Dunbar

{Contributed photo/Dunbar Preservation Society}

Over the years, talk amongst the community has been abundant about the impact the former Dunbar School 4th Street and Dunbar High School made on many in the community.

After integration, Dunbar on Smith Ave. became the homebase for sixth and seventh graders before being converted to an intermediate school which housed fourth and fifth graders. Most recently, the historical edifice was home to Charles England Intermediate School, which relocated in 2008 and has since been renamed Charles England Elementary School. The building has remained vacant since the move much to the dismay of Dunbar alumni, residents of the neighborhood and citizens.

Last year, controversy arose when news began to spread regarding a proposal for the building. Owned by the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte (the Diocese) since 2009, the Diocese entered into an agreement with Shelter Investments Development Corporation to allow them site control as they worked to secure funding to convert the school into apartments for seniors.

Prompted by the uproar and displeasure from numerous Lexington residents, Davidson Local began an investigation into how the building arrived at its current destination. Starting with the most recent news about the school and backtracking to the days when every Black student in Lexington was educated at the institution on 4th St., ‘Preserving Dunbar’ is a combination of history, memories, controversy, celebration, frustration and a dream to keep the legacy alive.

Below are links to every article published in the series. The first two are the most recent updates regarding the school on Smith Ave.. Next, is the article detailing the current plan. The following articles are in reverse order working their way back to the 1920s. Special thank you to Charles Owens of the Dunbar Preservation Society. All articles are written by Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart for Davidson Local.

Preserving Dunbar: Conflicting stories over building’s future emerges

Preserving Dunbar: School conversion won't take place in 2021

Investigative Lens: Dunbar School

Preserving Dunbar: The Current Plan

Preserving Dunbar: The City Council Vote

Preserving Dunbar: 12 Years of Ownership

Preserving Dunbar: The Option to Purchase

Preserving Dunbar: The Relocation

Preserving Dunbar: Memory Lane

Preserving Dunbar: Involuntary Integration

Preserving Dunbar: The Culture and Legacy

Additional Dunbar articles:

Black History Month: A Preserving Dunbar photo gallery

A Preserving Dunbar Photo Gallery: Alumni and former staff honored at LSHS game

Dunbar School resolution stirs emotions at city council meeting

City council approves Dunbar resolution

Sights and sounds of Juneteenth: A freedom celebration

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