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My mom sent me this video clip because she was so astounded by the accomplishments of Mary McLeod Bethune. Quite frankly, so was I although I did read a book on her while in grade school. My best friend's mom handed me the book which I devoured even though I tended to prefer fiction to non-fiction because most of these real-life stories where just too heavy for me. I was also reading "The Diary of Anne Frank" around the same time.
Apparently, my mom was also intrigued by the fact that the person relaying this very condensed summary of just some of the accomplishments of Mary McLeod Bethune in the video below is also a graduate of my alma mater, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. They are celebrating their 100 year anniversary this year.
Mary McLeod Bethune (1875–1955) was a trailblazing educator, civil rights leader, and advisor to U.S. presidents, who dedicated her life to advancing the rights and education of African Americans, especially women, during the oppressive Jim Crow era.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 10, 1875, in Mayesville, South Carolina, Bethune was the fifteenth of seventeen children to parents who had been enslaved. Despite the era's racial barriers, she pursued education with determination, attending the Scotia Seminary and later the Moody Bible Institute, aiming to become a missionary—a path she was denied due to racial discrimination.
National Women's History Museum
Educational Pioneer
In 1904, with just $1.50, Bethune founded the Daytona Literary and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls in Daytona Beach, Florida. Through relentless fundraising and advocacy, she expanded the institution, which eventually became Bethune-Cookman University, setting educational standards for Black colleges nationwide.
cookman.edu
Advocate for Civil Rights and Women's Empowerment
Bethune's influence extended beyond education. She founded the National Council of Negro Women in 1935, uniting various organizations to improve the lives of Black women and their communities. Her leadership in the National Association of Colored Women further amplified her impact.
National Women's History Museum
Presidential Advisor
A trusted advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Bethune was appointed Director of Negro Affairs for the National Youth Administration in 1936, making her the highest-ranking African American woman in federal government at the time. She also played a pivotal role in the "Black Cabinet," advising on issues affecting African Americans.
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Legacy
Bethune's unwavering commitment to equality and education left an indelible mark on American society. Her life's work continues to inspire generations to strive for justice and empowerment.
Apparently, my mom was also intrigued by the fact that the person relaying this very condensed summary of just some of the accomplishments of Mary McLeod Bethune in the video below is also a graduate of my alma mater, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. They are celebrating their 100 year anniversary this year.
Mary McLeod Bethune (1875–1955) was a trailblazing educator, civil rights leader, and advisor to U.S. presidents, who dedicated her life to advancing the rights and education of African Americans, especially women, during the oppressive Jim Crow era.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 10, 1875, in Mayesville, South Carolina, Bethune was the fifteenth of seventeen children to parents who had been enslaved. Despite the era's racial barriers, she pursued education with determination, attending the Scotia Seminary and later the Moody Bible Institute, aiming to become a missionary—a path she was denied due to racial discrimination.
National Women's History Museum
Educational Pioneer
In 1904, with just $1.50, Bethune founded the Daytona Literary and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls in Daytona Beach, Florida. Through relentless fundraising and advocacy, she expanded the institution, which eventually became Bethune-Cookman University, setting educational standards for Black colleges nationwide.
cookman.edu
Advocate for Civil Rights and Women's Empowerment
Bethune's influence extended beyond education. She founded the National Council of Negro Women in 1935, uniting various organizations to improve the lives of Black women and their communities. Her leadership in the National Association of Colored Women further amplified her impact.
National Women's History Museum
Presidential Advisor
A trusted advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Bethune was appointed Director of Negro Affairs for the National Youth Administration in 1936, making her the highest-ranking African American woman in federal government at the time. She also played a pivotal role in the "Black Cabinet," advising on issues affecting African Americans.
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Legacy
Bethune's unwavering commitment to equality and education left an indelible mark on American society. Her life's work continues to inspire generations to strive for justice and empowerment.
