TUCSON, Ariz. (13 News) - The Dunbar School, a historic landmark once symbolizing segregation, is being converted into a center to assist local Black-owned businesses.

Construction began this week on the Dunbar Pavilion Business Empowerment Center , which aims to provide resources and a dedicated space for Black entrepreneurs to thrive.

Freda Marshall, the executive director of the Dunbar Pavilion, showed 13 News the transformation in progress.

“Speaking with small business owners, they want to be around people who are also creative, who are also in the first phase or stage of business development, and just get encouragement,” Marshall said.

Work to eliminate lead and asbestos from the structure is complete, and now demolition is underway.

A former locker room fr

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