Our Roots
The Roots began as the Roots Committee in 1978. At that time the organization's desire was to share the African American experience in the Early American West. This led to the committe to organize the first-ever reenactment of Nolan's Staked Plains Expedition of1877, where a troop of10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers survived on the parched West Texas Plains by drinking the blood and urine of their dying horses. The success of the reenactment and the group's desire to share the African American historical and cultural experience with the region led to incorporate as a nonprofit arts and humanities organization.
The Council's first director was Dr. Rudolph Davis. Following his departure in the early 1990's, the organization engaged in very limited arts programming and was almost dormant from 1995 until 2007. The council presented numerous successful arts and humanities programs in the 1980's and the early 1990's. The activities included the State-Wide Tour of the Forgotten West Monument Replica, the Springfusion Talent Showcase, More Sky City Jazz Celebration and numerous art exhibits. The organization awarded various arts and humanities scholarships to high school graduates.
In February of 2007, upon the event of his university retirement of organizational founder Eric Strong, the council was reactivated. Strong became the new director. Under his leadership, the vouncil has engaged in numerous arts and humanities activities and recommitted to itself the original mission and a new staregic plan.
Mission
The Lubbock Roots Historical Arts Council seeks to enrich life by promoting a greater understanding of the African American experience through the practice and appreciation of the visual and performing arts and through the study, interpretation, and preservation of the history of the African American in the Early American West.
1719 Ave A
Lubbock, TX 79401

OUR BRANCH