Connecting the Past and Present of African American History
Where Our History Lives and Our Future Grows
Preserving Tucson’s African American history
while creating space for arts, business, civic
engagement, and community connection.
OUR STORY
The Dunbar Pavilion stands as a living part of Tucson’s African American history. Originally established as the Dunbar School in 1913, this campus served generations of Black students during segregation. Today, we honor that legacy by preserving our history and creating space for arts, business, education, civic engagement, and community connection.
Help Preserve the Past and Build What Comes Next
GET INVOLVED
The Dunbar Pavilion belongs to the community, and its future depends on all of us. Your support helps us care for this historic campus, preserve Tucson’s African American history, and continue creating opportunities through arts, education, business, and community programs. Every gift—large or small—helps carry this legacy forward.
#Update
We return to the Dunbar Pavilion, home of Tucson's first and only segregated schools for African-Americans, for an update about some of the recent work and new tenants being attracted to that location. UA's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Dunbar Coalition chose Debi Chess Mabie to lead the arts and cultural center for two years as part of a cooperative effort between different organizations. She says things are moving along.
#ArizonaIllustrated
Binational Encuentro, artists and activists gather on the border to perform on behalf of border crossers who identify as female; Memory Lane, Barbara Lewis shares memories of her time at the racially segregated Dunbar School in Tucson; Text, Talk, Act, a new phone-based social app seeks to guide young people through mental health challenges; Far Afield: Roman Barten-Sherman, the young Tucson bluesman performs 'I'm Throwing Up My Hands.'
#Update
We return to the Dunbar Pavilion, home of Tucson's first and only segregated schools for African-Americans, for an update about some of the recent work and new tenants being attracted to that location. UA's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Dunbar Coalition chose Debi Chess Mabie to lead the arts and cultural center for two years as part of a cooperative effort between different organizations. She says things are moving along.
#ArizonaIllustrated
Binational Encuentro, artists and activists gather on the border to perform on behalf of border crossers who identify as female; Memory Lane, Barbara Lewis shares memories of her time at the racially segregated Dunbar School in Tucson; Text, Talk, Act, a new phone-based social app seeks to guide young people through mental health challenges; Far Afield: Roman Barten-Sherman, the young Tucson bluesman performs 'I'm Throwing Up My Hands.'
#Update
We return to the Dunbar Pavilion, home of Tucson's first and only segregated schools for African-Americans, for an update about some of the recent work and new tenants being attracted to that location. UA's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and the Dunbar Coalition chose Debi Chess Mabie to lead the arts and cultural center for two years as part of a cooperative effort between different organizations. She says things are moving along.
Tech
Build practical computer and digital skills.
Community
Gain confidence and stay connected.
Learning
Learn together in a welcoming environment.
Schedule & Location
Workshops are conducted on a continuing basis on the following dates and times:
Mondays: 10:00 AND 1:00 PM
1st, 2nd, and 4th Saturday of each month for one-on-one support: 101:00 AM
Dunbar Pavilion
325 W. 2nd Street
Tucson, AZ 85705
Signing up for our newsletter isn't just about staying informed-it's about joining the movement!
By signing up for the Dunbar Pavilion Newsletter, you become a part of a dynamic and growing community dedicated to preserving and celebrating Black history, culture, and arts in Tucson. Our newsletter is your direct link to everything happening at the Dunbar Pavilion—a historic cultural hub with a rich legacy of fostering education, empowerment, and creativity.
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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