Weekender Bag (Mary McLeod Bethune)

Mary McLeod Bethune was a towering figure in American history, renowned for her unwavering commitment to education and civil rights. Born on July 10, 1875, in Maysville, South Carolina, she rose from humble beginnings as the daughter of formerly enslaved people to become an influential educator, philanthropist, humanitarian, and civil rights activist12.

Bethune’s most notable achievements include founding the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute for Negro Girls in 1904, which later merged with the Cookman Institute for Men to become Bethune-Cookman College2. Her dedication to education and racial equality earned her national recognition, leading to her appointment as a special adviser to President Franklin D. Roosevelt on minority affairs2.

She also founded the National Council of Negro Women in 1935 and served as vice president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People from 1940 to 19552. Her legacy continues to inspire, and her life’s work remains a testament to the power of education and activism in the pursuit of justice and equality2.