Education and Segregation
Seymour’s formal education was limited. Like many African Americans in the late 19th century South, access to structured schooling was restricted.
Yet his theological formation came through hunger rather than opportunity.
In 1905, Seymour traveled to Houston, Texas, where he sat under the teaching of Charles F. Parham, an early Holiness preacher who was teaching about the baptism of the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues.
Here is where history becomes both inspiring and painful.
Because of segregation laws in Texas, Seymour was not allowed to sit inside the classroom with white students.
He reportedly sat in the hallway — listening through the door.
Excluded physically.
Engaged spiritually.
He absorbed the teaching.
And then he carried it further than many who sat comfortably inside.
