(BALTIMORE – July 14, 2026) – When I first walked through the doors of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, it only took one speech from then-Principal Julia B. Woodland for me to understand what it meant to be a Dunbar Poet.
I cannot recite her words today.
But I will never forget the spirit.
She spoke life into us. She challenged us to pursue excellence, to embrace discipline, and to understand that hard work was not optional—it was expected.
At Dunbar, excellence wasn’t just encouraged. It was demanded.
And if you know anything about Dunbar athletics, you know exactly what I mean.
Ten toes down.
There is no second place.
The expectation is to become the very best at whatever calling God places before you.
That spirit has produced generations of leaders.
Some became dentists and physicians.
Some entered business.
Some chose public service.
Some wore military uniforms.
Others wore police badges.
I think of Clarence “Tiger” Davis. I think of former State Senator Nathaniel McFadden—two men whose knowledge of Dunbar and East Baltimore history is invaluable. I think of Eric Green and countless other graduates who dedicated their lives to protecting and serving their communities.
Of course, Dunbar is part of a larger Baltimore tradition.
Lake Clifton.
City College.
Poly.
And so many other city schools.
Their mission has always been bigger than graduation ceremonies.
Their purpose is to produce productive citizens.
That is why this has become such a remarkable year for Dunbar.
Sabrina Tapp-Harper is poised to become the first woman elected Sheriff of Baltimore City.
Dr. Linda Marie Weaver has been appointed Assistant Secretary for Administration for the Maryland Military Department.
Julian E. Jones Jr. has become the Democratic nominee for Baltimore County Executive and now stands on the verge of making history.
Three Dunbar Poets.
Three major milestones.
One extraordinary year.
As I reflect on these accomplishments, my mind immediately goes back to the educators who helped shape us.
I think about Dr. Estella Ingram-Levy.
I think about the late Dr. L.Z. Gladden, who served as principal during my senior year.
I think about Ms. Lynette Woodley, who never accepted anything less than our best.
Never.
And I think about my English teacher, Stan Mower.
Looking back now as a journalist and author, I realize the writing I did in his classroom helped lay the foundation for everything I have done professionally.
Teachers rarely know the full impact they have.
Years—even decades—later, their lessons continue to echo.
That is why this moment belongs not only to Dr. Weaver, Julian Jones, and Sabrina Tapp-Harper.
It belongs to every teacher, counselor, coach, principal, cafeteria worker, custodian, secretary, and mentor who poured into generations of Baltimore’s young people.
Their work matters.
Their sacrifices matter.
Their belief in children matters.
So today, I simply want to say thank you.
Thank you to the educators of Dunbar High School.
Thank you to the educators throughout Baltimore City Public Schools.
Thank you to those who understood—and still understand—that every child can learn when given love, structure, opportunity, and an environment that expects greatness instead of excuses.
This has truly become the Year of the Dunbar Poet.
And for all who have carried that maroon-and-gold tradition with pride…
Go, Poets! Go!
