lubbock

On a Tuesday evening earlier this month, outside Ralls’ City Hall, nearly two dozen residents waited in the 90-degree Texas heat. For two hours, they anxiously awaited word from their city leaders on whether they will keep their Emergency Medical Service (EMS)—the city’s last-standing lifeline following a string of budget cuts.  

AJ McCleod was raised by within the tight community of East Lubbock. Even after moving out of the neighborhood, he still considers it home. Following two tragedies that struck the McCleod family, ripping prominent men out of AJ’s life, ending gun violence became his mission. In this episode, AJ discusses the mission to better his community, which raises the question: could speaking out ultimately cost him his life, like so many Black men in history?

In this community profile, three generations of East Lubbock residents unpack their family’s legacy in the Hub City. George Woods, established himself as a prominent, trusted businessman despite the barriers in place for Black men in the 30s, 40s and 50s. His descendants have all dedicated their lives to education—a passion they say started with him. In this episode, hear first-hand accounts of the Holmes family whose roots span the decades of Lubbock’s history.