Required Citations | Dunbar High School Marching Band, photograph, May 16, 1950. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc1591003/: accessed May 9, 2023), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.
The all-Black Dunbar School opened in Oklahoma’s Pottawatomie County in 1917. It remained open for 40 years until it was dismantled by desegregation in 1957. The above photo features members of the school’s marching band. We’re guessing the photo was taken by a photojournalist to document the purchase of new band uniforms. They look really nice, especially the fringed epaulettes. We think the uniforms are new because in the remaining pictures in this post the band members are wearing older uniforms.
School Spirit
In 2007, the Oklahoman published a story about Dunbar and its active alumni association. It mentioned community pride, spirit and the school’s marching band, which included majorettes.
County historical records show a long tradition of school spirit and community pride, even among white residents.
The bleachers for Dunbar High School football games often were filled with both white and black sports fans, records show. The school also was lauded in several newspaper pieces for its award-winning marching band and theatrical productions.
Source
Date Unknown; Dunbar High Marching Band, photograph. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc1590154/: accessed May 9, 2023), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.
Master Studio. Dunbar High School Band, photograph, Date Unknown. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc1590489/: accessed May 9, 2023), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.
H.S. Marching Band, Dunbar; photograph, Date Unknown. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc1591056/: accessed May 9, 2023), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.
Dunbar Marching Band, photograph, Date Unknown; (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc1590388/m1/1/: accessed May 9, 2023), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.
Every year for the past 18 years, dozens of alumni make the pilgrimage back to Shawnee in August for a weekend reunion filled with social mixers, picnics and a banquet. Signaling their return is a modest parade of cowboys on horseback and cars decorated with black and orange streamers, strolling down Main Street and past the old school site.
“It (the parade) signals a homecoming for those that have gone on, and shows that those of us who still live here haven’t forgotten our school,” said Shirley Campbell, an organizer for the reunion. “We do it to honor our teachers and the good times we had.”
Source
Countywide News covered the school’s reunion in February 2022:
Dunbar played a formative role in the lives of many of Pottawatomie County’s Black youth, and while the days of educational segregation may seem miles in the past, the school’s legacy continues in the living memory of its alumni.
Source
