Dunbar High School (DC) PTSO

The historic Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Washington, DC is the FIRST high school for African Americans in the US and was established in 1870. Dunbar was initially called the Preparatory High School for Colored Youth and was founded by William Syphax, the first chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Colored Public Schools in the District of Columbia. For many years, Dunbar has been recognized around the country as the producer of the city and country’s “best and brightest” students, scholars, and achievers. A few notable graduates and achievers include: Senator Edward Brooke, General Benjamin O. Davis, Judge William Hastie, Brigadier General Elmer Brooks, DC Congressman Walter E. Fauntroy, Superintendent Floretta Dukes McKenzie, DC Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and the Honorable Mayor of the District of Columbia, Vincent C. Gray, Colbert I. King, Francis O. Taylor, Reverend Dr. Leonard N. Smith, Bishop Lyles Duke & Reverend Deborah Duke and Coach Craig Jeffries. While Dunbar's rich history speaks for itself, we want to make sure that legacy continues and lives on in our students today. And with support via this fundraiser, that can be accomplished.