TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
years in the white schools and then passed down to us to use for another seven or eight years.” His mother never diminished the school he attended, but would instead hold “school” after school with him and his siblings to enhance their lessons. Although she only had an eleventh-grade education, Moore said she had a “Ph.D. in wisdom.” His affection and admiration for his late mother is evident when Moore speaks of her saving money to buy him a set of encyclopedias he routinely studied and used to memorize famous places and facts. “I never heard my mom use substandard English, and she did not allow us to. She valued education and told me I would go to college. She said, ‘I don’t know how you’re going to get there or how we will pay for it, but you are going.’” Moore’s mom taught her children that education was a gift, and once they had it, no one could ever take it away from them. She stressed that a great education could open many doors. Another point of Moore’s admiration for his mother came from the fact that she would not let her children experience hatred. She believed racism dehumanized people and refused to allow that to be inflicted upon them. “We didn’t go to the picture show growing up. Do you know where black people sat in the movie theaters? They were only allowed to sit in the balcony section of the theater. Our mom sheltered us so that we did not have to experience the horrors of segregation. She protected us from that because she wanted us to love all people and not feel hatred,” he said. Another topic Mrs. Moore taught was the importance of well-organized finances and budgeting. She believed in paying the bills and the church first. However, when it came time for significant purchases, she stressed one should buy the best and take care of it. Because of that philosophy, Moore and his wife Carolyn are still able to display and use many of her furniture pieces in their home today. Though he considers his mother his best teacher, Moore firmly believes he had impactful teachers in the early days of his education, although schools were segregated. “I never thought of us being separated until I went to an all-white college.” Moore treasures his time at East Texas Baptist University, though it was
“Mr. Moore is a beacon of inspiration in all walks of life. He has left an indelible mark on teachers, students, and staff alike. His ability to connect with others, along with a genuine nature, defines a legacy that transcends the classroom…. a testament to why he stands among the very best in the realm of education. I am proud to have him as an influence in my life, then and now.” —Derrick McGary “If you want a great description of what a lifetime of service to others looks like, then just show a picture of George Moore. Mr. Moore is someone that so many of us count as one of our top mentors and someone, regardless of the situation, you know he will be on the front row making sure you know he is supporting you and proud of you.” —Dr. James Henry Russell “George Moore is a remarkable individual, embodying the roles of a loving husband, devoted father, and inspiring mentor with exceptional grace. His dedication to education, coupled with his warm and compassionate nature, have earned him the admiration and respect of everyone who has the privilege of knowing him. His influence has always extended far beyond the classroom, touching lives and shaping futures with his wisdom and kindness.” —Dr. Jason Smith “George worked three jobs when we married after a six month courtship. He has always been a great provider, a one-in-a-million husband, and father. His love for his students and staff transcended race, color, and culture. There are no barriers to his love for everyone. He exhibits daily the characteristics of what true love really is!”
—Carolyn C. Moore
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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