Manley D. Dunbar was born in Cleveland and christened at Antioch Baptist Church. A graduate of John Adams High School, Manley attended Kent State University and completed his education at Cleveland State University. He achieved success in the field of housing and real estate as the co-founder of Parkhill Realty.

When Congress passed the first Section 8 Housing Assistance Bill, Manley was appointed the first director of the program and finished his career as specification specialist for the Ohio Turnpike Commission at their headquarters in Berea. Manley was the first African-American appointed to the National Leased Housing Association based in Washington, D.C. and served on the Board of Housing and Redevelopment Officials as a certified property manager. He was also an active board member of Campbell Court, a senior housing complex in Shaker Heights.

Manley sings in the Antioch Baptist Church Sanctuary Choir and is a member of The John Adams Black Heritage Alumni Association. He is also a devoted husband, father, and stepfather.