Historic Dunbar gym hosts its first high school basketball game in 55 years
Cheers of “We are the Bearcats” rang out once more from the gymnasium of Lexington’s original Paul Laurence Dunbar High School on Saturday as the team of its modern day namesake donned classic green and white uniforms to take on Louisville’s Central High School.
It did not matter that Central won 59-56. It was the first time a high school basketball game had been held in what is now the Dunbar Community Center in 55 years. It marked a chance to remember what it was and honor what it is.
During the segregation era, Lexington’s Dunbar and Louisville’s Central were all-Black schools and archrivals. The Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame selected the matchup at the home of the Dunbar Bearcats to be part of its Glory Road Project of Heritage Games honoring its place in Kentucky high school basketball history.
But don’t call it “old Dunbar.”
“There’s nothing old about this place,” said state Rep. George Brown Jr., who was among the many original Dunbar alumni on hand Saturday. “This is an awesome place, and we have many great accomplishments here athletically, but also academically. This was a great school. I’m a state representative. I’m very proud of the legacy and heritage here.”
In 1957, the Dunbar Bearcats, led by Coach S.T. Roach, became the first Black school to join the Kentucky High School Athletic Association. Dunbar won six 11th Region championships and made two Boys’ Sweet 16 finals appearances from 1957 to 1967. The school was closed in 1967 when the Fayette County school district desegregated. A new Paul Laurence Dunbar school opened in 1990 with its gym named in honor of Roach and a Bearcats banner in the rafters.
The Dunbar Community Center, 545 N. Upper Street, includes the former school’s green-and-white gymnasium. Bearcats logos adorn the floor and the gym remains comparable to many high school gyms of today. Managed by Lexington’s parks and recreation department it is a vital part of the community.
“This place is a cornerstone and part of the legacy of the northside of Lexington,” Brown said. “It plays a super important part, and it’s great to be here today and have all the fans here and these two great teams competing.”
Mayor Linda Gorton declared Saturday to be “Historic Dunbar High School Day.” The hall of fame also presented a plaque commemorating the gym as part of its Glory Road series of games.
