EQUAL OPPORTUNITY HERO
T.J. Patterson’s Service to West Texas
by
PHIL PRICE
Genre: Biography / African American Leaders
Publisher: Texas Tech University Press
Date of Publication: November 20, 2017
Number of Pages: 277
On April 7, 1984, T. J. Patterson became the first African American elected to the Lubbock City Council, winning handily over his four opponents. It was a position he would go on to hold for more than twenty years, and his natural leadership would lead him to state and national recognition.
Patterson grew up during a time of American social unrest, protest, and upheaval, and he recounts memorable instances of segregation and integration in West Texas. As a two-year-old, he survived polio when African Americans were excluded from “whites only” hospitals. When he attempted to enroll at Texas Tech after graduating from all-black Bishop College, he was not allowed even to enter the administration building–the president would speak with him only outside, and then only to say Patterson could not be enrolled. Two years later, his aunt would become the first African American to attend Texas Tech.
Patterson spent his whole adult life as a grassroots activist, and as a city councilman he understood how important it was to work in solid partnership with representatives from the predominantly Hispanic neighborhoods of the city. Over the years, Patterson took every opportunity to join African American and Hispanic forces, but with a few exceptions, the traditional geographic divide of the minority population limited his efforts–and yet Patterson never gave up. His brave public marches to homes of known drug dealers brought attention to their undesirable activities. Patterson also supported city investment in Lubbock history and culture, plus new development activity, from annexation to paved roads to water mains to fire stations. During his long career he truly was an equal-opportunity hero for all of Lubbock’s citizens.
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**Why did you choose to write about this topic?
As a black city councilman who served his community for more than twenty years, TJ Patterson endured the Equal Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and segregation. He made an impact on all he served.
**Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured if your book?
Black communities survived hardships with amazing resiliency. Despite laws and restrictions imposed upon their race… honor, dignity, and service prevailed. TJ Patterson led the way.
**What does your perfect writing spot look like? Is that what your ACTUAL writing spot looks like?
Large windows with seasonal colors outside. A large stone fireplace with a 52-inch TV above. Winged backed chairs to read and reflect. Bookshelves floor to ceiling. Food delivered to my desk. Thank you, wife, for making it a reality!
**Is there any person you credit for being your inspiration for writing?
My sister, (best selling author, Jodi Thomas), has the imagination and love for the written story. With my forty-two years as an advertising agency owner, I had to tell a story in 30 and 60 second commercials.
**What is your favorite quote?
“Jump!!! Grow wings on the way down.”
**What do you want your tombstone to say?
I would love to do it all over again!!
Phil Price has been friends with T. J. Patterson for more than twenty years. Now retired, Price was President and CEO of a marketing and design agency. Over the years he has served the Lubbock Independent School District, the Lubbock Better Business Bureau, the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, and other city agencies. He lives in Lubbock USA, with his wife, Victoria.
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