A commemorative ceremony was held in Woodland Cemetery and Arboretum Thursday morning to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Paul Laurence Dunbar's death.

A procession to the grave started at 9:30 a.m. and the ceremony began at 10 a.m. Dayton mayor Rhine McLin acted as mistress of ceremonies.

On Feb. 9, 1989, a small number of Dunbar devotees gathered at Woodland Cemetery to honor his memory with songs, poetry and music. Over the years, the gathering has grown from just five people to 500.

Dunbar was one of the first African-American poets to achieve national critical acclaim with his 1896 release of Lyrics of a Lowly Life. Dunbar's parents were freed slaves and his father served in the Civil War. Dunbar was long-time friends with two other famous Daytonians, Orville and Wilbur Wright. Dunbar died of tuberculosis at the age of 33.

This year, distinguished poets, politicians, instrumentalists and speakers gathered to pay tribute to the Dayton born poet. Tim Beatty, director of Dunbar High school Band, played Taps and his students raised an 'Oak and Ivy' flag that will permanently wave over the gravesite of Dunbar.

G. Edwin Zeiders, president of the United Theological Seminary, commented on Dunbar's life and work and Rev. Ronald Glenn presented a special prayer. Mitchell Capel, an interpreter of Dunbar's work, recited his poetic tribute, 'To a Dead Friend.'

Dayton City Commissioner Joey Williams placed a wreath over Dunbar's grave.

This year, gatherers also honored the death of Dunbar's sister, Elizebeth Florence Dunbar, who died as a toddler due to malnutrition. A civil war-era headstone was presented in her honor.

Later in the evening, a dinner was held at the Dayton Engineers Club. Capel and the Central State University Choir performed a special presentation of 'Dunbar? 100 Years Ago Today.'