My Day: Ask Dr. Hollie

You can “Ask Dr. Karen Hollie” about just anything. She is a global icon, a scholar, pastor, author, columnist, teacher, just to name a few.  Additionally, she has entertained kings, princesses, archbishops, interracially and interfaith clergy domestically and internationally. Among her many pioneering endeavors is being the founder of the only women’s seminary in the Southwest offering Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral Degrees.  Dr. Hollie’s pioneering spirit is by design, not by accident.  It is a deliberate, devout manifesto from her “Professor Mom”, Helen Jackson, a mother with about six(6) PHD’s in her immediate family.  I have written about this educational dynasty several times.

Grace International Seminary is based in Dallas, Texas, and the graduation services are Sunday, August 30, 2015, 1:00PM.  Come see for yourself.

Women have always been amazing trendsetters. Let me share a very interesting timeline with you.  If you “Ask-Dr.Hollie” she could possibly start with the year 1873, when Ellen Richards became the first women to receive a B. S. Degree from MIT; or, 1875 when Smith College and Wellesley College opened,  both renown schools for women.  In 1881, the Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary (later Spelmen College) opened, which as you know is a college for African American females.  In 1885, the Romano School for Indian Girls opened in Santa Fe.  Bryn Mawr opened in 1889 and in 1897, the National Congress of Mothers formed (now PTA).  The turn of the century ignited new innovators.  Helen Keller became the first blind-deaf person to graduate from college and Mary McLeod Bethune opened Daytona School for Negro Girls.  In 1945, the first class of women is admitted to Harvard Medical School.  The 50’s is known for the Brown vs. Board of Education as much as the 60’s confirms Affirmative Action becoming law in the United States.

Undisputedly, he 70’s belongs to Motown and sweet soul music.

Aw, but the 80’s is still writing the history of women making up 51% of college students.  What about the 90’s you say?  A lot about this decade, however, keep in mind that in 1996, the Virginia Military Institute was forced by the Supreme Court to admit women.

Grace International Seminary graduation services are appropriately held at the Rosa Parks Elementary School, Lancaster ISD, 630 Millbrook, 75146.

Gotta go! Gotta go.  Out of time. . . not out of words.

Ester Davis can be reached at

214.376.9000.