The Dunbar PavilionOur office was recently made aware of a decision by the Dunbar Pavilion to host VisionQuest, a for-profit corporation with a history of allegations that center around the abuse of children. As expressed on local media, we recognize the autonomy of the Dunbar Pavilion as a nonprofit here in Tucson. However, we disagree with the decision. From 1918 to 1951, the Dunbar was a segregated black school. While this highlights the city’s history of institutional racism, the Dunbar has been repurposed into a community gathering place and become a symbol of African American resilience. Like a scar that has healed signifies something greater than itself. Without getting into overall immigration policy, we have to understand that the children detained by VisionQuest will be segregated within a formerly segregated space. As advocates within the community for human rights and social justice we cannot be champions for some and silent for others. At a minimum, the Dunbar should conduct an investigation and take inventory before getting into the business of caging children and contributing to the school-to-prison pipeline. We oppose this decision. We feel like it will wound the community. We believe it contradicts the values and mission of the Dunbar.
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