Did you know Dunbar Vocational High School opened in 1942? It wasn’t just any school. It was a trade school born from a need for skilled workers during wartime. Right here on 3000 South Dr Martin Luther King Jr Drive stood a building designed to train the next generation of workers. Imagine 1500 students mostly African-American filling its halls. This wasn’t just a school it was a beacon in Bronzeville a vibrant hub for the African-American community. Dunbar was considered a vocational branch of Wendell Phillips High School another predominantly African-American institution.
Dunbar Vocational High School quickly outgrew its first location a former elementary school at 4401 South St Lawrence Avenue. Overcrowding and aging buildings became major issues. The Chicago Board of Education wisely invested $7 million in building a brand new school. The groundbreaking ceremony for the new school occurred in April 1955. Chicago school officials and Mayor Richard J Daley were present for this milestone. The new Dunbar opened its doors in 1956.
The school’s history is rich not just in academics but also in community involvement and notable events. In 1968 student walkouts and protests disrupted classes for hours. Rumors of a popular teacher’s firing and a potential shift away from vocational studies ignited the unrest. The incident even resulted in property damage and arrests. However the school persevered. Later that year it hosted the Afro-American Expo ’68 a demonstration of community strength and resilience. Sadly a gang-related shooting marred a basketball game in 2009. A security guard assault on a female student in 2013 also tarnished the school’s reputation. These incidents however don’t overshadow the school’s long history of academic and athletic success.
Dunbar Vocational High School boasts a remarkable list of alumni. Many have achieved great success in the music industry. Barbara Acklin Lou Rawls and Jennifer Hudson are just a few examples of the school’s talented graduates. The sports world also benefited from Dunbar graduates. Amos Bullocks an NFL running back and Ronnie Lester an NBA guard with an impressive college career are two notable names. The world of journalism and broadcasting also benefited greatly from Dunbar alumni including Bernard Shaw a CNN news anchor. Even the entertainment world claims Mr T among its notable graduates.
Today Dunbar Vocational High School continues to educate and empower students. It’s a place where legacies are built and where dreams take flight. Dunbar’s story is a testament to the power of education and the unwavering spirit of a community. It’s a story that deserves to be told and retold. It is a school with a long and complex history one that reflects the rich tapestry of Chicago’s past. Remember Dunbar Vocational High School. Remember its legacy.