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ABOUT US

The Dunbar Pavilion is a cultural and community center in Tucson, Arizona, dedicated to preserving and celebrating African American history and heritage. Originally established as Tucson's segregated Dunbar School, it now serves as a vibrant hub for education, arts, and cultural programs. The Pavilion honors the legacy of resilience and creativity while fostering a space for community connection and growth.

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Our Mission

To honor the past, celebrate today and shape the future of the African-American community.

Our Vision

Striving to "Be the Best" African-American culture center in America.

The Dunbar Coalition serves as the governing and stewardship organization for the revival of the ‘campus’ — now called the Dunbar Pavilion: An African American Art & Culture Center. The mission of the Coalition is to convert the campus into a space that

  1. will exhibit the contributions of African-Americans to the development of Southern Arizona, and

  2. anchor and house programs and organizations that support education, arts, social justice, health, economic well-being, and civic engagement reversing the effects of segregation throughout the region.

Our Mission

To honor the past, celebrate today and shape the future of the African-American community.

Our Vision

Striving to "Be the Best" African-American culture center in America.

Programs & Initiatives

The Dunbar Pavilion hosts a variety of programs aimed at enriching the community:

  • Educational Partnerships: We collaborate with institutions like the IDEA School, which offers child-centered education fostering competence, creativity, and compassion.

  • Arts and Culture: Our tenants include the Visual and Textile Arts of Tucson, promoting artistic expression, and Kore Press, a literary publishing house celebrating diverse feminist expressions.

  • Community Engagement: We provide spaces for organizations such as the Tucson Black Film Club and the Dunbar Barber Academy, creating a vibrant community hub.

Leadership

Our dedicated Board of Directors, led by Executive Director Freda Marshall, works tirelessly to advance our mission and vision, ensuring the Pavilion remains a cornerstone of cultural and educational activities in Tucson.

Lander Auditorium

Named in honor of Cressworth C. Lander, a distinguished alumnus and community leader, the Lander Auditorium is a versatile venue hosting events that align with our mission to promote cultural awareness and community engagement.

Support the mission of the Dunbar Pavilion by investing or amplifying our message.

Experience the Dunbar Pavilion

We invite you to experience the rich tapestry of programs and events at the Dunbar Pavilion. Whether attending a performance, participating in a workshop, or exploring our historical exhibits, there's something for everyone.

Contact Us

For more information, to schedule a tour, or to inquire about space rentals, please contact us at (520) 791-7795 or marketing@thedunbartucson.org. We look forward to welcoming you to the Dunbar Pavilion.

Thank You!

Dunbar Pavilion's programming is made possible thanks to our supporters and sponsors. Visit our Partners page to view a full list of our partners.

CONNIE HILLMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION

THE DAVID AND LAURA LOVELL FOUNDATION

AMY ZUCKERMAN-SOLOMON FUND

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Historical Significance

The Dunbar School, named after poet Paul Laurence Dunbar, was a focal point for Tucson's Black community during segregation. Despite limited resources, it provided quality education and became a hub for community activities. In 1951, the school was integrated and renamed John Spring. The legacy of Dunbar continues to inspire our commitment to cultural preservation and community empowerment.

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