1. Early Life:
- Born on July 10, 1875, in Mayesville, South Carolina.
- One of 17 children of former slaves, Samuel and Patsy McLeod.
- Worked in the cotton fields as a child to help her family.
2. Education and Teaching Career:
- Despite limited opportunities, Bethune showed a strong desire for education.
- Attended Scotia Seminary (now Barber-Scotia College), where she earned her teaching certificate.
- Taught at rural schools in South Carolina before moving to Florida.
3. Founding of the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute:
- In 1904, Bethune founded the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute for Girls in Daytona Beach, Florida.
- The school evolved into Bethune-Cookman University, a prominent institution of higher education.
4. Educational Achievements:
- Served as the president of Bethune-Cookman University for over 40 years.
- Established several other educational institutions, including the Daytona Beach Colored Library and the Bethune-Cookman College in Atlanta.
5. Civil Rights Advocacy:
- Actively involved in civil rights movements and organizations.
- Served as the president of the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) from 1924 to 1928.
- Fought for women's suffrage and equal rights for African Americans.
6. Government Appointments:
- Appointed as the Director of the Division of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration (NYA) by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- The first African American woman to hold a presidential cabinet-level position.
- Later, appointed to the Federal Council on Education and served as president of the National Council of Negro Women.
7. Collaboration with Eleanor Roosevelt:
- Bethune and Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of President Roosevelt, formed a strong friendship and worked together on social justice issues.
- Roosevelt supported Bethune's efforts in gaining more funding for African American education and civil rights initiatives.
8. Honors and Recognition:
- Received numerous awards and honors for her contributions, including the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP and the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Lyndon B. Johnson.
- Listed among the 100 Most Influential African Americans of the 20th century by Ebony magazine.
9. Legacy:
- Bethune's tireless work and dedication to education, civil rights, and public service left a profound impact on American society.
- Her efforts paved the way for future generations of African American leaders and contributed to the advancement of civil rights and equality.
Mary McLeod Bethune's exceptional achievements and unwavering commitment to improving society continue to inspire generations, making her an iconic figure in American history.