Oklahoma has a rich and varied history, with roots in many cultures. Although much has been written on the early history of Oklahoma, there has been very little effort to identify and describe the contributions of Black leaders in the field of education. This study was conceived as an effort to document and describe Roscoe Dunjee's contributions to Oklahoma education. He was editor and founder of the Black Dispatch newspaper of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Although many aspects of his life are discussed, this study is limited to Dunjee's efforts and impact in the area of education.

Dunjee's editorials provide considerable insight into the character of the man as well as rich historical data about the development of the state's public elementary, secondary and higher education institutions. He spoke out on issues when most Black Oklahomans dared not speak, setting a standard for civil rights activities not only in Oklahoma, but also throughout the Southwest and the nation. Dunjee's activities, along with those of other civil rights leaders were instrumental in eliminating segregation in the public schools and other areas of ethnic group interaction. His commentaries on issues of his day were frank, optimistic and often interlaced with a homespun, but relevant, philosophy. He was loved by some, hated by many, but respected by almost all persons with whom he interacted.

The main thrust of the study concentrates on an examination of Roscoe Dunjee's editorials focusing on education. The editorials are separated into four distinct areas: (1) separate schools, (2) politics in education, (3) higher education and (4) changing educational patterns.

Dunjee is viewed in the role of a change agent and his activities are evaluated from this perspective. The study briefly reviews the early history of Oklahoma, with an emphasis on the Black presence. Also, there is a review of the history of the Black press in the United States, and the Dunjee family is traced from antebellum times to the creation of the state of Oklahoma. Thus, this dissertation combines the threads of early state history with the Black press.