Lubbock Roots Historical Arts Council
Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.
What it says it does
The Lubbock Roots Historical Arts Council seeks to enrich the life and history of the African Americans of West Texas 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 and West Texas. Roots is the owner of the Caviel Museum of African American History, Roots Community Revitalization Center and the Roots Booker T. Washington Community Garden. Roots is also the founder of the Caprock Jazz Festival; that is a major annual fundraiser to support the Caviel Museum and gives awards the Braxton music scholarship a selected talented youth.
- Income
- $185,200
- Spending
- $129,859
- Spent on programs
- 76%
- Reserves
- 17.1 months of spending
- Largest source of income
- fees for its services, 100%
- Employees
- 0
- Volunteers
- 45
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Financial health
Strong: 100 out of 100.
Reserves
35 of 35Spendable reserves would cover 17.1 months of spending.
Debt
20 of 20It owes 0% of what it owns.
Living within its means
15 of 15Income exceeded spending by 30% of income.
Income trend
15 of 15Income rose 70% on the year before.
Spending floor
15 of 1576% of spending went to programs.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Governance
Fair: 50 out of 100.
Independent board
25 of 2510 of 10 voting board members are independent.
Conflict of interest policy
0 of 15Reports no written conflict of interest policy.
Whistleblower policy
0 of 8Reports no written whistleblower policy.
Record keeping policy
0 of 7Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.
Board minutes
5 of 5Keeps minutes of board meetings.
Board sees the tax return
0 of 10Did not give the board a copy of this return before filing it.
No reported misuse
10 of 10Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Impact evidence
Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.
Programs described in its return (4)
- $71,133 spent. Caprock Jazz Festival Presented by the Roots Historical Arts Council, the Caprock Jazz Festival is a beloved Lubbock institution bringing outstanding jazz performances to the South Plains. In May 2025, the festival marked its 10th anniversary with a spectacular sold-out gala featuring dinner, live music, and local vendors at the Helen DeVitt Jones Auditorium, Museum of Texas Tech University. The evening began with an elegant reception accompanied by Bass Lady Joy Harris and Marco's Crew, followed by insightful remarks from local saxophonist Tom Braxton, bridging jazz's past with its present. Guests then enjoyed a specially curated three-course dinner before the main concert-each aspect reflecting the festival's commitment to cultural richness, community, and musical artistry. Founded by visionary community leaders including Greg Ricks and the Strong and McDonald families, the festival continues to honor Lubbock's jazz legacy while supporting the Roots Historical Arts Council's mission to champion African American heritage and the arts. While details for the 2026 festival are still forthcoming, anticipation already builds for another evening of unforgettable rhythms, community warmth, and soulful celebration. Stay tuned for updates and prepare to be part of the next chapter in Caprock's jazz story.
- $26,467 spent. Jazzy Christmas Celebrate the season with soul, swing, and the smooth sounds of the holidays at "A Jazzy Christmas," hosted by the Lubbock Roots Historical Arts Council. This festive concert brings together the magic of Christmas with the rich rhythms of jazz, spotlighting local musicians, vocalists, and special guest performers who infuse holiday classics with vibrant energy and style. Whether you're a longtime lover of jazz or just looking to experience something special this holiday season, A Jazzy Christmas offers a joyful, toe-tapping, heartwarming evening perfect for the whole family. Come enjoy an unforgettable night filled with music, community, and the cultural spirit of Lubbock.
- $1,281 spent. Caviel Museum Nestled in Lubbock's historic Eastside "Flats" neighborhood, the Caviel Museum of African American History stands on a foundation of pioneering legacy and community pride. This site was once home to Caviel's Pharmacy, a cornerstone business owned and operated for nearly five decades by Alfred and Billie Caviel - the first African-American couple in the United States to jointly own and manage their own pharmacy. The pharmacy opened in 1960, during the early years of the Civil Rights movement, and faithfully served the community until 2009. In 2011, the Caviels gifted the building to the Lubbock Roots Historical Arts Council with the hope that it would someday serve as a cultural museum. That vision was realized in 2015 when the Caviel Museum officially opened its doors - becoming the first museum in West Texas dedicated to celebrating African-American heritage. Inside, visitors will find exhibits highlighting the rich legacy of African American professionals, educators, and everyday citizens whose contributions shaped life in Lubbock and beyond. Displays spotlight the history of Black medical practitioners, educators, and the broader community experience in West Texas.
- Booker T Washington Community Garden
Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate
Legitimacy checks
Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.
Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.
Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.
Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.
On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.
Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.
Recognized by the IRS since January 1984.
Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.
Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.
Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.
Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.
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