Paul Laurence Dunbar, 1872-1906. Dunbar broke the racial barrier in the field of literature when he became the first black person to earn international acclaim as a poet.
The Paul Laurence Dunbar Sculpture Committee is announcing plans to create a permanent tribute to the life and work of Paul Laurence Dunbar, Dayton’s own critically acclaimed African American poet and author. Nationally renowned artist and sculptor Ed Hamilton is commissioned to create the full-sized sculpture of Dunbar, which will be displayed outside the Dayton Metro Library’s new West Branch library. The original sculpture is planned to debut in June 2022 in commemoration of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s 150th birthday.
The Paul Laurence Dunbar Sculpture Committee is led by co-chairs Willis Bing Davis and the Honorable Walter Rice, with committee members including Timothy Kambitsch, Brady Kress, J. Thomas Maultsby, Jeffrey Mims Jr., Michael Roediger and Jenell Ross.
“There is no better way to celebrate Paul Laurence Dunbar’s 150 birthday than to pay homage to the immense impact of his life and work on our region,” said co-chairs Davis and Rice. “Proudly displayed at the Dayton Metro Library’s new West Branch, a place for learning and gathering, this original tribute to Dunbar will bring greater awareness to his legacy and inspire generations to come.”
A brief outdoor announcement about the project will be made on June 25 at 3 p.m., at the site of the Dayton Metro Library West Branch located at 300 Abbey St. in Dayton.
From the Dayton Business Journal: https://www.bizjournals.com/dayton/news/2021/06/25/sculpture-planned-to-honor-paul-laurence-dunbar.html