Walmart Donates $50,000 to Dunbar Theatre Restoration Project

6.15.21

On Wednesday, June 2, 2021, executives from Walmart presented a $50,000 donation to support the Dunbar Theatre restoration project during a groundbreaking ceremony for a new community center. The donation is part of Walmart’s ongoing commitment to investing and supporting the communities it serves, through local giving, volunteerism and programs that strengthen community cohesion.

State and local elected officials, including Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Wichita Mayor Brandon Whipple, Vice Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Kansas State Senator Oletha Faust-Goudeau were present.

The Power CDC is currently working with architect Tony Rangel to redevelop the Dunbar Theatre as a community-based visual and performing-arts center, which will provide surrounding neighborhoods with a facility to host meetings, receptions, youth activities and civic events. This donation will be used for community center operations, along with equipment and furnishings including computers, desks, tables, chairs, podium, video projector and a portable screen.

Located in the historic McAdams neighborhood, the Dunbar Theatre was built in 1941 and served as the only movie theater available to the African-American community in Wichita until 1963. A recent revival of interest in the redevelopment of the area has brought new hope and the revitalization of the Dunbar Theatre is a key component in the process of bringing new life into the renowned neighborhood.