Remembering Dr. Dianne Jemison Pollard: A Life of Education, Faith,and Community

By: Kayla Donnell

Houston, Texas - The world said a heartfelt goodbye to a remarkable individual, Dr. Dianne Jemison Pollard, a woman who was not just a beloved professor and mentor but also a cherished friend, a dedicated family member, and a person of unwavering faith. Dr.Pollard's life was a tapestry of remarkable stories interwoven with her accomplishments and the legacies of her illustrious parents, Celestine Catlett Jemison and the late Rev. Dr. T.J. Jemison.

Born on December 2, 1948, in Charlottesville, Virginia, Dr. Pollard's family moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, when she was just a child. The eldest daughter of Celestine Catlett Jemison, a librarian at Hampton University and later a dedicated public school teacher for thirty-three years, and Rev. Dr. T.J. Jemison, the esteemed senior pastor at Mt. Zion First Baptist Church, Dianne's path was laid with a strong foundation of education, service, and faith. Her father's legacy was particularly notable as he played a pivotal role in organizing the country's first bus boycott of segregated seating in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1953. He also mentored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., assisting him with the strategy for the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. Dr. T.J. Jemison and Dr. King went on to co-found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), with Dr. Jemison as Secretary and Dr. King as the President of the organization's first board of directors. Rev. T.J. Jemison later served as President of the National Baptist Convention USA, Inc. from 1982 to 1994, the most prominent African-American

religious organization worldwide, while Dr. Dianne Jemison Pollard would serve as the Youth Director during that time.

Dr.Pollard's journey led her to high school at Southern University Lab School, where she participated in debate, choir, and basketball. She continued her education at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she sang with the world-famous Fisk Jubilee Singers, traveling the globe and sharing her remarkable talents. She became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Dr. Pollard graduated from Fisk University with a Bachelor's degree in Speech and Drama. Her thirst for knowledge and passion for education further drove her to pursue a Master's degree in communications theatre from the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin, and an MFA degree in Directing from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. She also earned an Education degree in Counseling from Texas Southern University.

In 1972, Dr. Pollard began her teaching career at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland, where she dedicated six years to nurturing young minds. In 1978, she took a position as a Professor of Theatre and Cinema at Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas, where she would leave an indelible mark over several decades.

Her journey in Houston would also lead her to Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, where she joined the choir and, fatefully, met her future husband, Donald Pollard. They married in 1982 and became proud parents of two children, Edward in 1984 and Celestine in 1986. Dr. Pollard was an extremely dedicated and involved parent, supporting her children in their pursuits. Her daughter Celestine, who was diagnosed with autism at an early age, inspired Dr. Pollard to establish "Artsy Kids" in West University. This business provided a haven for families with autistic children, offering recreational activities and support.

Dr. Pollard's legacy is evergreen, reflected in her children's achievements. Celestine graduated from Thurgood Marshall High School and remains actively passionate about art. On the other hand, Edward graduated from Lamar High School, attended Morehouse College, and subsequently graduated from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. He is now an attorney and a Houston City Council Member for District J.

After an illustrious career spanning forty-four years and a half-century dedicated to education, Dr. Pollard retired from Texas Southern University in December 2022. She served as the Dean of the Thomas F. Freeman Honors College and as a Professor of Theatre in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts. Furthermore, she was Chairperson of the Department of Fine Arts at TSU, overseeing Art, Music, and Theatre for over a decade. She also served as Director and Area Coordinator of Theatre, Education Coordinator for the Deluxe Theater, and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the Thomas F. Freeman Honors College. Her passion for teaching was evident in the strong bonds she formed with her students. Dr. Pollard was known for her strict, no-nonsense approach in the classroom and her nurturing and caring side. She instilled in her students the value of preparation, the importance of giving their best, and the pursuit of excellence.

Her impact extended to her colleagues, who leaned on her for her expertise and wise advice. An award-winning university stage director with over fifty productions to her credit, Dr. Pollard's repertoire included Greek, Shakespearean, contemporary, musical, and children's theater. She also penned eighteen religious pageants that have been performed around the globe. Beyond her academic and artistic achievements, Dr. Pollard was an active member of several civic organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Texas Spring Cypress Chapter of The Links, Inc., and the Houston League of Business and Professional Women, Inc. She was also involved with the Ensemble Theatre.

Dr.Pollard's profound influence reached the community so deeply that on December 14, 2022, the Mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner, presented her with a Proclamation during her retirement ceremony, naming the day in her honor. The community and the world of Theatre Arts lost a true gem on October 4, 2023, when Dr. Pollard peacefully transitioned to be with her Lord. Her homegoing service was attended by her beloved family, friends, students, and faculty. Her son, Councilman Edward Pollard, gave a beautiful speech celebrating his mother's life along with colleagues such as Rosarito Rodriguez Gonzales, who delivered heartfelt speeches highlighting Dr. Pollard's impact on their lives and careers.