"If you’re a barbecue fan--and what Texan isn’t?--you probably know of Christopher B. Stubblefield, Sr. Only you likely know him by his nickname: Stubb, of Stubb’s Bar-B-Q.
But there’s more to Stubb’s story than just ribs and rubs. In an age when much of the city was segregated, Stubb’s was a rare respite where people of all backgrounds could come together for good food and good music. Local musician Jess "Guitar" Taylor recalled the time a Hispanic man walked in, looked around at the Black customers, and asked Stubb, “You serve Mexicans here?” Staring back straight-faced, Stubb responded, “No, we serve barbecue here.” Another day, two middle-aged white women politely asked if Stubb served “white folks” in his restaurant. “No, ma’am,” he said with a grin. “We can’t fit them on the plate.”
This story shared a glimpse of life in Lubbock at a very different time in our history, but one that still shapes our community today. Although Stubb was not connected to Texas Tech specifically, he was connected to Lubbock, and sharing his story helps to explain a little more about the city Texas Tech calls home.
Since the launch of our university magazine, Evermore, where this appeared, we’ve seen an incredible uptick in engagement, especially among alumni whose connections to Texas Tech were tenuous at best, while maintaining the connections that were already strong. Our community members have embraced Evermore, voiced their enjoyment of it, and subscribed by the hundreds for future issues."
From the Judges
Funny, prescient, and an excellent rendering of the idea that breaking bread with diverse people can unite them over similar interests. This is particularly noteworthy for the subject--a local institution likely to generate feelings of strong nostalgia among alumni.
