Dunbar group seeks community input

A community conversation on reclaiming the Dunbar historic neighborhood The Dunbar neighborhood will be held May 13 from 6-8 p.m. at the Cephas House on Martin Luther King Dr.

The Dunbar neighborhood has long been home to many of the city’s African American and Hispanic residents. We are hosting a Community Conversation with current and former residents of the historical neighborhood and congregants of churches to understand the factors that have contributed to the in-migration/out-migration of residents and the loss of cultural assets (former buildings, businesses, etc.) All research findings will be shared with the Calaboose African American History Museum and the community at large.

To participate in the conversation, you must be: (a) current or former resident of the Dunbar neighborhood, or a member of a Dunbar church, (b) willing to participate in an in-depth counter-life story interview or focus group, (c) willing to share photographs (if available) that represent your experiences in the Dunbar neighborhood.

Identities will remain confidential during and after this study unless you grant permission. If desired, a pseudonym will be used for anonymity in any information that would reveal an identity.

Upon completing the focus group or interview, participants will receive a $20 stipend. A light dinner will also be served.

If you are interested in participating in the community conversation, email or call the Principal Investigator Dr. Shetay Ashford-Hanserd at sashford@txstate.edu or 512-245-3027.