Paul Laurence Dunbar Commemorative License Plate

State of Ohio / Ohio History Connection.

Lead Illustrator & Designer

This artwork was commissioned as the official Paul Laurence Dunbar commemorative license plate for the State of Ohio.

A key challenge of the project involved researching the early 19th century, where color photography was non-existent, and developing a modern, vibrant color palette that authentically represented both the poet and the African American community.

The design was formally unveiled at a ceremony at the historic Dunbar House in Dayton, Ohio, involving State Representative Willis Blackshear Jr. and other community leaders.

By bridging historical research with contemporary illustration, the project created a lasting public symbol that honors one of America's greatest poets while remaining functional for modern vehicle identification.