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Celebration of Paul Laurence Dunbar


A Celebration of Paul Laurence Dunbar and African American History:

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Reception 3:30 – 5:00 PM with a brief program at 3:45 PM

Special Collections and Archives Reading Room, Fourth Floor, Dunbar Library

Wright State University


Special Collections and Archives in the Paul Laurence Dunbar Library is pleased to announce the gift of a bust of acclaimed poet and novelist Paul Laurence Dunbar to the Archives from its sculptor, Reginald H. Harmon. Join us for a brief program, a meet and greet with artist Reginald Harmon, and exhibits of Dunbar’s works along with many other African American manuscript collections from the archives. Light refreshments will be served.

Reginald Harmon is an accomplished artist in the visual arts, music, design and poetry. Harmon’s artistry reflects the social consciousness that embodies the culture of the black community. He is the founder and CEO of Infinite Concepts LLC, located in Dayton, Ohio. Harmon was also an art educator in the public school system. His philosophy on the critical importance of the arts to the entire academic experience is evident in the programs he has designed for the charter school, the art education proposals he promotes and the influence with which he nurtures youth and adults.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1872, Paul Laurence Dunbar was one of the first African American literary figures to garner critical acclaim on a national scale. Although he lived just thirty-three years, Dunbar's contributions in a variety of genres left a legacy that endures through the present day. Special Collections and Archives has a nearly complete, inscribed collection of Dunbar's first edition books. In the spring of 1992, Wright State University's main library was renamed in honor of Paul Laurence Dunbar, recognizing not only his significant literary contributions but his importance to Dayton and his friendship with the Wright Brothers, for whom the university is named. A Digital Text Collection and photographs of Dunbar are accessible on the archives website at https://www.libraries.wright.edu/special/dunbar/

Visitor parking passes for Lot 11 near the Dunbar Library at WSU are available by contacting the archives at archives@www.libraries.wright.edu


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