Page 30 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2025 - Online Magazine

EXCEPTIONAL SENIORS

former students and see how successful they have
become as adults.

Green plans to continue her work with the Caviel
Museum of African American History, educating people
of all ages about the African American trailblazers
of West Texas and promote the expression of African
American culture through art.
said, although she also advises young people not to “We have live music, open mic readings, and exhibits by
underestimate themselves and their abilities. local artists. It’s part of Lubbock’s First Friday Art Trail
every month,” said Green. “Come out and see the wide
She took on another role in the summer program at variety of talent our community has to offer.”
Dunbar Junior High, and she spent ten years working
in the Texas Tech Upward Bound program. Green also The Roots Historical Arts Council also presents the
served in the after-school program at Iles Elementary Caprock Jazz Festival each summer and a Jazzy
before retiring from the Lubbock Independent School Christmas Concert every winter. These fundraisers
District in 2011. support the museum, generate funding for music
scholarships, and sustain the organization. The events
Green then became involved with the Roots Historical attract jazz fans from across Texas counties and from
Arts Council. The council was established to share the other states. Tickets for the Caprock Jazz Festival often
African American experience in the early American sell out. This will be the tenth year that Roots has
West. The organization provides arts programs and produced the Caprock Jazz Festival, featuring skilled
awards scholarships to area high school graduates. and accomplished musicians like Lubbock’s own revered
Green served as the organization’s chairperson at saxophone player, Tom Braxton.
the request of former director Eric Strong. When he
passed away, she accepted the responsibility and As Green looks back and recognizes the powerful
became the director to maintain the Roots council and influence she has had on students over the years,
the Caviel Museum of African American History. She she said she feels fortunate to have contributed and
worked to make sure the activities that the arts council hopeful as youth grow to become parents, teachers,
and museum hosted would be available for future and leaders. She has watched Lubbock expand and face
generations. new challenges. She believes that Lubbock is a place
filled with people who are capable of striving for more
“Eric Strong cared about people in East Lubbock. He constructive outcomes in the community. Her advice
wanted to do positive things. I didn’t want to see all the to young families, teachers, coaches, and community
work that was put into Roots die out,” Green said.
leaders includes using an approach to guiding others
She returned to the classroom to teach at Wilson that comes from the heart. She also encourages students
Independent School District for four more years and and teachers alike to keep an open mind and keep on
worked at the Region 17 Adult Education Center for learning new things at any age.
eight years. In February 2025, she retired again.
“Be ambitious. Believe in your students and their
The part she said she has enjoyed the most about parents,” Green said. “Have faith in your community.”
teaching has been helping people to grow and reach (Photos courtesy of Shirley Green)
their dreams. She has found it very rewarding to visit

30 Lubbock Senior Link