The 1983 graduation class was presented to the audience. The principal then commented; this is the last all-Black graduation class to leave Dunbar High School. Next year’s graduating classes will have non-Black students. Dunbar High had reached a milestone in its long history.

Dunbar’s history dates back to 1907, when it was organized as the Rustville School. There were twelve students in attendance in the 1700 block of Amanda Street. The school moved in 1911 to the 1700 block on Langston Street with 23 students. In 1923, the school moved to its Willie Street location and one year later was admitted to the Fort Worth Public School System.

In 1938, the school enrolled 457 students and saw its name changed to Paul Laurence Dunbar. A new building was erected and completed in 1952, with 13 teachers in elementary and 7 in junior high classes. This new building, costing $475,312, saw the principal, Mrs. M. I. Logan, head up the staff.

Because of the rapid growth of the Dunbar Elementary/Junior High School a new elementary school was constructed in the 2200 block of Dillard Street at a cost of $596,463. Mrs. M. I. Logan served as principal of this new elementary school.

Dunbar then became a junior high school with grades 7, 8, and 9. Mr. J. Martin Jacquet became principal. One high school grade was added each year evolving into a junior/senior high school. The school grew from 600 students to over 2400 students, graduating its first class in 1957.

In 1967, the present Dunbar High School was completed. This $2.1 million building became the focal point of education in the greater Stop Six area. Air-conditioned and single-level, it housed over 1600 students in its first year. Mr. Jacquet remained principal until his retirement in 1971. At this time Mr. Joe C. Young was appointed Principal from Dunbar Middle School. During this period several educational innovations were added. Team teaching and team planning were implemented. In 1973 a night program for a Community School began operating for adults, under the direction of Mr. Troy M. Sparks, who was an Assistant Superintendent for the FWISD. Mr. Young remained Principal until 1980 when he was assigned to Central Administration as Transportation Director. Mr. Ben Standifer was appointed principal for the 1980-81 school years where he remained until 1984. Mr. Aubrey B. Peterson became principal in 1984 and remained until June 1989. The principal that was appointed in August of 1989 was Mr. George E. Loder.

The school has served as a catalyst for community activities for many years. In 1980, an Engineering Magnet Program or Special Interest Program was added. It has developed and grown by drawing outstanding students from all quadrants of the city. Dunbar graduates have distinguished themselves by being awarded scholarships to many major colleges. Many have returned to Fort Worth and are serving as community leaders, physicians, lawyers, teacher and technicians in many occupations. Many new vocational programs have been added to assist students in not only obtaining a high school diploma, but to become gainfully employed. They are in many businesses and industries in this city. Dunbar continues to fulfill its mission as a comprehensive high school.

Starting in 1907 with 12 students organized by Alonza Cowan, his wife Sarah and the trustees of Cowan Chapel M. E. Church, the Dunbar Schools in the Stop-Six area now enrolls over 3700 students from grades K-12 in four buildings.

Information supplied by:

Mr. Joe Blair, Former Dunbar Student
Mr. Joe C. Young, Former Principal Dunbar High School