Mary Mcleod Bethune

Mary who???  Mary Bethune was the child of former slaves born in South Carolina on July 10,  One of seventeen children and the only child of the family to attend school.  As a child, her day consisted of picking cotton and working in the fields. Mary grew up in poverty. Mary Bethune faced many struggles as a child, but had BIG dreams!

Dreams and Inspirations  Education was the first step in becoming a successful woman.  Emma Jane Wilson (Mary’s teacher & inspiration as a child.)  Reading and writing were two of Mary’s favorite things to learn and do.  Continued her education in hopes of becoming a missionary but when no jobs were open, Mary became a teacher.

A few of her many accomplishments… Bethune was a leading educator and civil rights activist.  Bethune Founded:  The Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute in  The National Council of Negro Women in  Served as the president of the Florida chapter of the National Association of Colored Women for many years.  Director of the Division of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration.

National Youth Administation  Mary was offered the position as director from President Roosevelt.  She was the only African-American to receive any kind of job like this at the time.

Mary Bethune died in May 1955  Inspired several young adults to finish school and establish careers  President of what is now called Bethune-Cookman College for both men and women She is remembered for her work to advance the rights of both African Americans and women. Her legacy lives on….

Famous Quotes “From the first, I made my learning, what little it was, useful every way I could.” “Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible.” “We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.” -Mary McLeod Bethune

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