Kingsport, Tennessee – A new social network is now available to former members and friends of Dobyns-Bennett High School’s Ebony Club. The Ning network, “The Kingsport Ebony Club Alumni Association”, is dedicated to building community among Dobyns-Bennett’s African-American graduates by offering a website that helps them restore linkages to their glorious past.
The Ebony Club was founded in 1976 by former John Sevier Middle School teacher and track coach Lib Dudney. It was created to give the school’s African-American students a better sense of their collective history, as well as a more accurate understanding of the varied contributions of their ancestors to the American way of life. Dawnella Ellis, a former Dobyns-Bennett High School teacher, assumed oversight of the club in 1977, continuing to work in this capacity until her 2005 retirement.
A hallmark of the Ebony Club was its annual talent and fashion shows. Participation in these events was open to the DBHS student body, as well as individuals from the community. Funds raised from these shows supported the club’s activities, which included community-service projects and field trips.
To access the new site, click on
Kingsport Ebony Club