The Arts

African Americans have made substantial contributions to arts and entertainment. Dancing, singing, acting, poetry, drawing, and painting have innately remained in black culture. Unfortunately, “urban renewal”, a process where privately owned properties within a designated renewal area are purchased or taken by eminent domain by a municipal redevelopment authority, demolished many urban artistic and entertainment landmarks across the country. In doing this, rich history was lost and legacies were crippled. In 1941, the Dunbar Theater opened in Wichita’s black community to provide movies and a stage for black performers since blacks could only patronize theaters with balconies. It was the answer to racism and the heart of the community.

Blacks stopped going to Dunbar to frequent the theaters that changed their policies for blacks. After 50 years, the Dunbar was on the condemned list and proposed for demolition. Community residents band together to reverse it and revitalize the theater. Financial resources have been a barrier to achieving the updates. Consequently, this example is one of many that affect art and entertainment in black communities. When there is a lack of positive artistic presence, it is a threat to the vitality of arts in the community. It is the goal of the Chaney Legacy Foundation to cultivate and support artistic gifts for future generations in the community.