JOIN US ON A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME, WHERE DETERMINATION, TALENT, AND UNITY HAVE SHAPED THE FORT MYERS, FL DUNBAR AREA INTO A BEACON OF INSPIRATION FOR GENERATIONS TO COME.
Artwork provided by SouthstarCreative LLC.
Developed by Allecia Hamilton & Challen Rivera
Roots are vital to all growth and the beginning of a story is just as important as the end. Those who came before us found their direction and paved a way for the generations to come.
Fervent prayers, diligent study, heavenly hymns, faith filled hearts and nurturing spirits have been a life force within the Dunbar community. Its foundations have often been laid within the church.
Dr. Ella Piper- Beautician turned Chiropodist, business owner, activist and philanthropist. This poised, passionate, powerful woman’s work bloomed into something that touches the community to this day. Lewis Latimer once said, “We create our future by well improving present opportunities: however few and small they may be.”
He was an electric force within the world, who’s life’s work shines bright today. In a turbulent Jim Crow world, procuring stability and wealth was often a pipe dream for people of color. Defying the odds, Clifford “Buck” McCollum, was able to become a successful businessman in Florida.
In 1938 Buck and his wife Gertrude added the opening of, the soon famous, McCollum Hall to their entrepreneurial ventures. Landing at the entrance of “SafetyHill”, the beautiful art deco structure’s mellow glow served as a beacon.
Although chitlins were regarded as low class, the “Chitlin Circuit” was anything but! This Trail of venues ran from the Midwest to the Deep South. McCollum Hall was a palace of sorts that made room for, what we now know as musical royalty, to reign.
Bending the socially accepted laws of racial separation, McCollum Hall’s events and entertainers drew people from all over the area. Velvet ropes dropped and were unable to stop the feet sliding to soulful blues and swinging to exhilarating jazz. Ella Fitzgerald, crowned the “First Lady of Song”, had a genuine ‘luck of the draw’ opportunity to perform at the Apollo. From then on, she graced microphones with avoice warm as summertime. Riley “B.B.” King was a principal figure in the music world. He and his queen, Lucille, gave the blues a new and unique sound. Edward Kennedy
“Duke” Ellington was one of the founding fathers of Big Band Jazz. As a composer and musician, he led a multitude of scores with creative gusto. Thelonious Monk’s music was known for its waggish, playful quality. He was one of the most inventive composers in the history of jazz and heavily influenced the texture of much of its modern sound. Starting as a member of a small Creole band in theSouth, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong soon realized his heralding talent. This explosive trumpeter blew his way into Jazz nobility in blustery fashion.
2.5 Citrus fruit panels (Lemon, lime, mango, guava. orange). Intersection street sign (Safety Hill/ Anderson)
Baseball players of color always had to fight for inclusion and respect. There were no written rules excluding women of color from the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League in the early 1940’s. However, through the obvious exclusion, their grit
and fierce determination created a place within the baseball world that was their own.
Puerto Rico native, Roberto Clement e, was one of the first Latin American baseball stars in the US. Despite all his athletic accomplishments, his greatest satisfaction came from being an advocate for the Latino and Black communities
During the overlapping of baseball time and wartime, great players of color often transitioned into great soldiers for a country that had not yet shook its disesteem for them. The fight was now for two different types of freedom.
What is the American dream? Depends on who you ask. In the mid 1900’s therewas a loud nationwide cry for equality among all people and attaining that
seemed like only a dream for many. Although racial separation created turmoil, it also inspired many to rise above.
After running a relentless 17 times, local activist Veronica Shoemaker was finally able to take her place on the Fort Myers City Council. Because of a longstanding desire to change the climate of her community, Veronica was not afraid to rock the boat.
Evelyn Sams Canady was a respected educator, religious and civic leader in Dunbar. Remnants of segregation coupled with the care and passion that Evelyn had for her community, led her to create the Dunbar Easter Parade. This cherished tradition has been upheld for 75 years.
Public education for black children in Lee County was limited to the eighth grade until the construction of Dunbar High School in 1926. As the years went on, it
became a center for community activities. Now named the Dunbar Community School, their focus is on continued education for adults.
The Dunbar community has had a host of amazing educators that have poured themselves into our children for generations. Former Dunbar High teacher, George Mayo, was one who challenged and encouraged students to reach higher.
Progression is key in developing strength and longevity for the community. In Dunbar, the railroad tracks have often been a reminder of segregation and inequality, but that can change. We have daily opportunities to draw from those that came before us, take what we have in our hands now, and build what we want to see in the future.