Today we’d like to introduce you to Linda Holloway.
Linda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in the all-Black town of Mound Bayou, Mississippi, in the heart of the Delta—a place rooted in resilience, history, and community. I am the youngest of nine children, raised alongside my parents in a farming household where we picked and chopped cotton together. Those early experiences profoundly shaped how I see the world and how I move through it.
Being the youngest afforded me the opportunity to learn from my older siblings, while my parents instilled in me timeless pearls of wisdom that continue to guide me today. Growing up in a Christian household laid the foundation for my faith and deeply shaped my beliefs in God. I share this because every one of these elements—my upbringing, my faith, my family, and my community—has played a significant role in who I have become. I am profoundly grateful for my humble beginnings.
Those beginnings also ignited my ambition to pursue education beyond farm life. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Alcorn State University, a Master of Science in Sociology with an emphasis in Alcohol and Drug Studies from Jackson State University, and a Doctorate of Education in Counselor Education, specializing in Clinical Mental Health with a minor in Sociology: Race and Relationships, from Mississippi State University. I later completed post-doctoral studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
During my undergraduate years at Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi, I joined ROTC and was later commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. I served in the United States Army Reserves for over 27 years, retiring as a Colonel in the Medical Service Corps. During my military career, I completed four combat tours, including Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, two tours in Iraq (Operation Enduring Freedom), and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. I was eager to serve my country—service has always been a calling, one instilled in me early by my parents. I live by my personal motto: “Always willing to serve.”
Although I had not originally envisioned myself in academia, becoming a college professor became the heartbeat of my career. I was awarded the African American Doctoral Teaching Fellowship from the State of Mississippi, which required that I remain in the state and teach for one year after completing my doctorate. That single year ignited a fire in my soul—and marked the beginning of my journey in higher education.
Today, I have spent nearly 33 years in academia, years filled with growth, learning, and purpose. As the saying goes, “I came into this profession to teach, but I have also been taught.” I am a passionate advocate for education and proudly consider myself a lifelong learner. Although my parents were not afforded the opportunity to complete high school, they taught all of their children the value of learning, reading, and discipline. I learned early that education could be a great equalizer—especially as a Black woman from Mound Bayou, Mississippi. I pursued education with discipline, dedication, and determination.
As a professor, I am known for my creativity, community engagement, and social activism. My teaching philosophy—Classroom Without Walls—intentionally connects counseling theory with real-world experiences. I am also recognized for my use of cinematherapy, integrating film to explore mental health and sociocultural issues, as well as my work as a spoken-word artist, using poetry as a healing modality.
Several of my curriculum study guides have been viewed and used globally, including:
• Curriculum Study Guide for Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 Super Bowl Halftime Performance,
• Black Fathers Matter: Unpacking the Kirk Franklin Story,
• Curriculum Study Guide about the Montgomery Riverboat Brawl.
In recent years, I have dedicated myself to transforming my eight award-winning children’s books into teachable lesson plans, significantly impacting childhood literacy and social-emotional learning. My work addresses topics such as hair bullying, mental health, sickle cell disease, sexual assault, colorism, social advocacy for Black girls, divorce, and death. I have donated over 1,000 free signed copies of I Love My Happy Hair to third graders across Mississippi and contributed books internationally, including a major donation to South Africa that helped establish a local children’s library.
Because of this work, I have been featured on multiple media platforms, podcasts, and publications, including The Roland Martin Show, The Grio with Eboni K. Williams, Living Strong: The Flip Side of Adversity, Zoom Into Books, Story Monster, Resilience Magazine, Dopeliven TV, and K.I.S.H. Magazine. I have also received numerous prestigious awards recognizing my commitment to social justice, education, and community service.
My love for books began at my parents’ kitchen table, where reading daily was non-negotiable—even if it meant reading the Encyclopedia Britannica. That foundation ultimately led me to children’s literature and continues to shape my work today.
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey has not been without challenges. The words “Stony the road we trod” from the Black National Anthem resonate deeply with my lived experience. While my career has been fulfilling, it has included setbacks, lessons, and moments of reckoning.
What has sustained me is my unwavering faith in God and my refusal to give up. Every day I wake up is another opportunity to bet on myself—even when others do not. Being a trailblazer and first-generation scholar has not been easy, but life has taught me how to fall, rise, and reenter the game with resilience. I also believe in giving myself grace—allowing myself to feel, but not to stay stuck.
One of my greatest personal challenges was self-doubt. I was an extraordinary champion for others, yet struggled to believe in myself. I poured encouragement into everyone around me while silently telling myself, “That’s not possible for me.” That internal narrative kept me trapped in cycles of low self-esteem and unworthiness—until I made a conscious decision to give myself the same grace, encouragement, and advocacy I gave others. That decision changed everything.
Another pivotal challenge came during my time as a tenure-track professor. Due to limited publications, I lost my position. Though I had retired from the Army, I was not ready to retire from academia. That experience became a defining moment—it taught me the truth of “publish or perish.” Perishing was not an option. I began writing extensively, focusing on Black women and mental health, which eventually led me to create children’s books that address these issues early in life. What began as a loss became one of the most impactful chapters of my career.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey has not been without challenges. The words “Stony the road we trod” from the Black National Anthem resonate deeply with my lived experience. While my career has been fulfilling, it has included setbacks, lessons, and moments of reckoning.
What has sustained me is my unwavering faith in God and my refusal to give up. Every day I wake up is another opportunity to bet on myself—even when others do not. Being a trailblazer and first-generation scholar has not been easy, but life has taught me how to fall, rise, and reenter the game with resilience. I also believe in giving myself grace—allowing myself to feel, but not to stay stuck.
One of my greatest personal challenges was self-doubt. I was an extraordinary champion for others, yet struggled to believe in myself. I poured encouragement into everyone around me while silently telling myself, “That’s not possible for me.” That internal narrative kept me trapped in cycles of low self-esteem and unworthiness—until I made a conscious decision to give myself the same grace, encouragement, and advocacy I gave others. That decision changed everything.
Another pivotal challenge came during my time as a tenure-track professor. Due to limited publications, I lost my position. Though I had retired from the Army, I was not ready to retire from academia. That experience became a defining moment—it taught me the truth of “publish or perish.” Perishing was not an option. I began writing extensively, focusing on Black women and mental health, which eventually led me to create children’s books that address these issues early in life. What began as a loss became one of the most impactful chapters of my career.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Nothing brings me greater joy than training the next generation of counselors in Clinical Mental Health. While my specialty has evolved, my heart remains committed to marginalized and underserved communities. Today, I identify as a storyactivist—a term I coined to describe someone who uses storytelling to inspire, educate, and mobilize people toward change.
Through school visits, mirror affirmations, and interactive readings, I teach children to love their hair, honor their identity, and respect differences. Watching children recite affirmations while looking into a mirror—declaring themselves beautiful and worthy—is one of my greatest joys.
What I am most proud of is the visible impact of my work. On days when doubt creeps in, I look at the photos of children smiling, teachers laughing, and communities engaged—and I am reminded that the work matters.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I deeply love the city I call home. Southern hospitality, rich history, vibrant festivals, incredible food, and a strong sense of community fill my soul. I appreciate the accessibility, convenience, and proximity to other cities, which allow me to explore while remaining grounded. There is honestly nothing I find least attractive about my city—I am, and always will be, a Southern girl at heart.
Pricing:
- • All eight children’s books are available on Amazon • Each book includes: o Interactive learning-out-loud (LOL) discussion questions o Scavenger hunts o Pledges for engagement and reflection Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dr-Linda-J.-M.-Holloway/author/B07SPHX5SX
Contact Info:
- Website: lindahollowayspeak@gmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linda.holloway.18041092/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKdg4oNvmTeSccK7Jl8Xvsw
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Dr-Linda-J.-M.-Holloway/author/B07SPHX5SX
Image Credits
O,J. Photographer, LLC
Casandra Lewis Photographer
