Mary McLeod Bethune

1. Mary McLeod Bethune Tanea Jones Irene Lagos Steve Prediger Ashley Wimmer SLCC/LE1020 April 7, 2012 AdrisBrundidge: Instructor

2. INTRODUCTION • What an honor and privilege to learn about Mary McLeod Bethune. For the first time in my life I have heard her name, researched her life, visited her campus, and talked with other students that reverence her. Mary McLeod Bethune spent her entire life in the service of others. She expects the same from all of us. She was an amazing woman with a tireless passion for equality. • Much has been written about this amazing woman but it would probably embarrass her as she was a humble woman that was eloquent and well educated. She believed in the beauty of everyone but mostly had a tireless passion towards women and their rights. She surrounded herself with influential people that she felt could make a difference with her for her cause. • Mary McLeod Bethune led by example. She dedicated her life to others and generations of beneficiary’s will forever be in her debt.

3. HISTORY***Irene • She was born in Maysville, South Carolina on July 10, 1875. She was raised on a rice and cotton farm by her parents. She was the fifteenth of seventeen children, some of whom have been into enslavement. Mary attended the Mission Board of the Presbyterian Church, it was a school for African-American Children. For Mary, education meant a key to improve the lives of African- Americans, and take a place in American society. • A few years later, she attended to the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, where she continued to be a high achiever. Mary was the only African- American student there. • Mary completed the two year program to go as a missionary to Africa. However, she could not go because there were not open positions available for African-Americans. After that, she decided to return to Maysville and taught there for a year at the mission school. Later, Mary accepted a position as a teacher in Augusta, Georgia at Haines Institute. She was well known as an enthusiastic teacher, for her great labor in pro of the children gathered of the streets. • Mary got married to Albertus Bethune in 1898. The couple moved to Savannah, Georgia. There, Mary did a little social work. However, her main job was raising her son, Albert, who was born in 1899. After eight years later, she moved with her son to Florida, accepting the invitation from a minister to continue managing the new mission School. There, she taught at the Mission School and visited prisoners in the county jail, reading and singing to them. Everything was successful and the School was growing. However, Mary wanted to provide opportunities for African-American girls, but she faced a big problem, to find a place to build a new school, so the Minister suggested Daytona, Florida. After five years later, her dreams came true to open a school for African–American girls. In October of 1904, Mary opened the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School. Over the years, the small school was replaced by a thirty-two acre campus with fourteen buildings and 400 students. In 1923 the school became coeducational when it merged with Cookman Institute of Jacksonville, and became Bethune-CookmanCollege. Bethune’s house is maintained as a National Historic Landmark.

4. Page 2 • In the early 1900s, the battle for women’s suffrage was underway, so Mary understood the importance of political participation and saw the little role for African-Americans, especially in the South. So, she joined the Equal Suffrage league, an offshoot of the National Association of Colored Women in 1912. It was in response the impossibility that African-Americans could not vote. However, in 1920, after passage of the 19th amendment, Mary believed that if African-Americans were to vote, they could bring about the change. So, she started to raise money to pay the poll tax, and also provided a means for African-Americans to learn to read well enough to pass the literacy test. Finally, hundreds of African-Americans voted for the first time. • Bethune continued working in pro of the rights of African-Americans. She made her own school library into general public. It was the only free source of reading material for African-Americans in Florida in that time. In 1920, she was elected to the National Urban League’s Executive Board, the only Southern woman of any race. As well, she was president of the Southeastern Federation of Women’s Clubs. Also, Bethune was elected as president of the 200,000 member National Association of Colored Women twice and served as president of the National Association of Teachers in Colored School and on the Interracial Council of America. Moreover, Bethune was founder and the first president of the National Council of Negro Women in the 1930s. Two years later, Bethune was one of the fifty greatest American women. • Bethune’s work was recognized by national politicians. President Coolidge invited her to attend his Child Welfare Conference in 1928. President Hoover appointed her to the White House Conference on Child Health in 1930. Her valuable assets to both Presidents were her great experience in the education field and her knowledge of the state of African-Americans. From 1935 to 1944, President Roosevelt chose her as Special Advisor on Minority Affairs.

5. Page 3 • Bethune held the position of Director of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration from 1936 to 1944. Her main wish in that moment was the full integration of African-Americans into American life. She was a member of the Federal Council on Negro Affairs and she served as an unofficial advisor to President Roosevelt. Under this position, Bethune wanted to see more blacks appointed to advisory positions. • Bethune played a preponderant role after World War II, she was one of the three African-American consultants to the U.S. delegation involved in developing the United Nations Charter. President Truman nominated her, as the personal representative at the inauguration ceremonies in Liberia in 1952. Her close ties with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and influential whites; Bethune used the power structure to gain more opportunities for blacks. • During her lifetime, Bethune was recognized for her hard job in the education field as well in pro of civil rights, she received many honors. She was a recipient of the Spingarn Medal in 1935. Two years later, the Frances Drexel Award for Distinguished Service. Tomas Jefferson Award for leadership in 1942. As well, she received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Rollins College in 1949. From Republic of Haiti, she received the Medal of Honor and Merit in 1949 and from the Republic of Liberia the Star of Africa in 1952. Mary Bethune died on May 18, 1955. • In addition, Bethune’s lifetime was full of achievements. On July 10, 1974, she became the first woman and the first African-American to be honored with a statue in a public park in Washington, D.C.

6. LINCOLN PARK. WASHINGTON DC. USA

7. PURPOSE***Steve • Name Steve Prediger • Instructor Adris L Brundidge • Subject Communication 1020 • Date 3/7/2012 • Mary McLoudBethue • http://blackartblog.blackartdepot.com/african-american-leaders/mary-mcleod-bethune-1949-historiMary McLeod Bethune Portrait of Mary McLeod Bethune by Carl Van Vechten. Published 1949. Source: Carl Van Vechten, photographer, Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division (Reproduction Number LC-USZ62-42476DLC) • CHARACTER NAME: Mary McLeod Bethune

8. PAGE 2 • BIRTH DATE: July 10, 1875 • BIRTH PLACE: Mayesville, South Carolina • FAMILY BACKGROUND: One of 17 children of Samuel and Patsy McLeod, former slaves. Mary worked in the cotton fields with her family. Married Albertus Bethune and had a son. • EDUCATION: Maysville Presbyterian Mission School, Scotia Seminary and the Moody Bible Institute (Dwight Moody's Institute for Home and Foreign Missions). • DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Founded the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute for Negro Girls (now Bethune-Cookman College) in 1904, and served as president from 1904-1942 and from 1946-47. Was a leader in the black women's club movement and served as president of the National Association of Colored Women. Was a delegate and advisor to national conferences on education, child welfare, and home ownership.Was Director of Negro Affairs in the National Youth Administration from 1936 to 1944. Served as consultant to the U.S. Secretary of War for selection of the first female officer candidates. Appointed consultant on interracial affairs and understanding at the charter conference of the U.N. Founder of the National Council of Negro Women. Vice-president of the NAACP. Was awarded the Haitian Medal of Honor and Merit, that country's highest award. In Liberia she received the honor of Commander of the Order of the Star of Africa. • DATE OF DEATH: May 18, 1955 • PORTRAYED BY: Madelyn Sanders • c-awards.html • video of Mary <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1dI6jZkYTI&feature=player_embedded>

9. Page 3 • Very few people realize that in 1949 Mary McLeod Bethune received two historic awards. • Haitian Medal of Honor & Merit • The first one was Haiti’s highest award, the Medal of Honor and Merit from President DumarsaisEstime. She was the first woman, regardless of race, to ever receive this prestigious award. Based on statements from the President of the Republic of Haiti in 1949, Mary McLeod Bethune received this award for being the “foremost woman of her race in the United States”. Mary Bethune received this medal during the Haiti Exposition of 1949. • The Commander of the Order of the Star of Africa • Also in 1949, Mary McLeod Bethune traveled as a representative of the U.S. Government to Liberia at the request of President Truman. While there during the inaugaration of Liberian President William Tubman, Mary Bethune was awarded Liberia’s highest medal, The Commander of the Order of the Star of Africa. This was a “dream come true” for Mary McLeod Bethune, who received this prestigious medal during her first trip to Africa after dreaming of serving as a missionary in Africa as a child. • Sometimes it’s easy to forget the many accomplishment of this African American icon and legend so below we have included a list of her accomplishments for all to review. • Mary McLeod Bethune Accomplishments • 1. Mary McLeod Bethune founded the Literary and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls in Daytona, FL. This school was eventually renamed Bethune-Cookman University.

10. Page 4 • 2. She served as president of the Florida chapter of the National Association of Colored Women from 1917 to 1925. Under her leadership the organization purchased a headquarters in Washington, D.C. and became the first African American organization represented there. • 3. She served as president of the Southeastern Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs from 1920 to 1925. • 4. Mary McLeod Bethune founded the National Council of Negro Women in 1935. The mission of this organization was to improve the lives of African American women and their communities. • 5. Mary McLeod Behtune served as the Director of the Division of Negro Affairs for the National Youth Administration. When appointed to this position she became the first African American head of a federal agency. While serving in this capacity, the Director of the National Youth Administration claimed that “No one can do, what Mrs. Bethune can do.” • Mary McLeod Bethune & the National Council of Negro Women • 6. She was an integral part of the Civilian Pilot Training Program and made sure that Historically Black Colleges and Universities participated. As a result, this program graduated some of the first African American pilots. • 7. Mary McLeod Bethune was one of the founders and principal organizers of the Black Cabinet. The Black Cabinet consisted of a coalition of leaders from African American organizations that advised the Roosevelt Administration on issues facing Black America. • Faith (Mary McLeod Bethune) by Julian Madyun

11. Page 5 • 8. She was such a good friend of Elanor D. Roosevelt that the first lady changed the segregation rules of the Southern Conference of Human Welfare in Birmingham, AL so that she could sit beside Mary McLeod Bethune. • 9. She was awarded the Springarn Award from the NAACP in 1935. • 10. She was an honorary member of Delta Sigma Theta University. • 11. Mary McLeod Behtune was the only African American woman present at the founding of the United Nations in 1948. • 12. In 1973, Mary McLeod Bethune was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame • 13. In 1974, a sculpture was erected to her honor in Lincoln Park in Washington D.C. • 14. In 2004, the National Association of Colored Women headquarters in Washington, D.C. became the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site. • 15. There is a historical marker in Maysville, South Carolina to commemorate the birth of Mary McLeod Bethune. • Visit our: Mary McLeod Bethune Poster & Art Print Collection • share22share64 • Bethune, Mary McLoud. Web 3/7/2012 <http://blackartblog.blackartdepot.com/african-american-leaders/mary-mcleod-bethune-1949-historic-awards.html>

12. BETHUNE-COOKMAN UNIVERSITY

13. ARGUMENT***Tanea • Learning about the sacrifices others make in behalf of society and a better world is very humbling. It forces one to open their heart and mind and ask what if. What if Mary McLeod Bethune had decided the persecution was too much? What if she decided she couldn’t go on? What if she thought I just don’t care? • There are millions of people that would not have benefitted from her perseverance. She began a school that has grown into a University that educates thousands and thousands and thousands. There are innumerable success stories all because Mary McLeod Bethune believed in mankind. • One must peel back the layers of her identity (McCluskey) to realize her experiences as a leader for women’s rights and racial persecution were what drove her ambition. She drew on her childhood experiences to know that the feeling of powerlessness could not be tolerated. Her relentless pursuit of happiness has benefited generations. • Because of her belief in education she struggled to educate herself and others. “The instance of her walking ten miles a day to attend a mission school then returning home to teach other family members to read is echoed in the life histories of many African Americans.” (McCluskey 71) She had a commitment and passion for learning. She knew how beneficial education was in uplifting the oppressed. • In 1904 when she started the Daytona Industrial and Educational Training Institute for Negro Girls it was a bold move. She had chosen a location that was a winter home for mostly wealthy whites but everyone came to call it “Miss Bethune’s School” once they learned she was not a threat. • Mary McLeod Bethune knew how to win the hearts of many. She has won mine. I am honored to have learned about the difficulties that she endured and she never gave up! It is very motivating to learn about the hardships that were placed before her and how she never viewed anything as a roadblock. What if we ask? What if we had never learned to follow the example of this amazing woman?

14. MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE

15. RELATION TANEA • I am going to focus on the problem of not believing in oneself. I feel this begins in the home. Parents need to believe in themselves and their goodness so that they can pass that knowledge onto their children. Mary McLeod Bethune was given wings in her home. She knew her family supported her and felt a sense of responsibility to them. Because of this, she was able to overcome persecution, threats, insults, and all sorts of horrible things. Without the knowledge that her family supported her she would have failed. • When we believe in ourselves we understand that we will be given situations that test our abilities but we also know that we will be able to overcome anything that is put in our path if we believe in ourselves. We must care about others and help each other rise above shortcomings and persecutions. Once we learn that we are all in it together, we can set aside judgment and accomplish amazing things!

16. RELATION IRENE • Mary McLeod Bethune did a great job in pro of her people. I am really impressed with her life and her achievements. Mary made the difference in many issues that changed the life of Black-American and opened a way of hope for many people that face problems of discrimination and the lack of opportunity to be part of the American society. • Nowadays, the Latin community is a clear example of discrimination. It is facing serious problems, very similar to the Black community faced long time ago. However, are people that are working hard in pro to protect their right, as the same Mary McLeod worked with the Black-American the major problem that the Latin community is facing currently is the persecution for being Latino due to immigration laws. Different states are enduring more the immigrations laws, with the purpose to persecute and cause fear in the Latin people. Many people have the perception that all the Latin people are undocumented in this country, that they are from Mexico, and come to steal the Americans’ jobs. So; people keep that idea and they do not get enough information to know the real situation for why many people come to the United States, not just from Latin countries. People come to the United States from the different countries like as China, Iran, Spain, Germany, Sudan and many other parts of the world, so the problem is not just Latin countries. • Another problem that Latin Community is facing has relation with the “dreamers”. Dreamers are the young people that were brought a short age to the Unites States by their parents. They did not take any decision to come here, it was a parents’ decision. The dreamers are allowed to go to the primary and secondary school, but in many states are not allow going to the Universities because they do not have the proper document to attend to educational center, therefore; they cannot work legally in the United States. However, the dreamers just want the opportunity to study; they want to carry out their American dream, which it is being part of American society and contribute to the prosperity of the United States. Moreover; they feel Americans, their first language is the English and they love this country. • It is true, that there is a percentage of the Latin community that does not have the proper documentation to work legally in the United States. However, people from different countries face the same problem, but the target is the Latin community. The mass media and some politics take advantages of this situation, putting on the top of the news, the illegality of the Latin community, but they do not talk about how hard they work, paying their taxes, and contributing for the prosperity of this country. As well, the opponents do not talk about the higher unemployment, home foreclosure, and the lack of health insurance that Latin community face day by day. • It is very important to mention the Latin community is the largest minorities group in the United States. It is growing so fast in comparison to other etnas. Therefore; it is getting more influence in term of economic and political issues. So, it is not too hard to understand the situation. • Now, why do people come to the United States? Are many reasons, however; the main reason is looking for job, with the purpose to give to their families a better quality of life because in their respective countries the possibilities are very limited. Moreover, if added a great number of problems are facing, countries like Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Peru, Venezuela, and others, having high percentage of poverty, regimen dictatorial, cartel drugs, government’s corruption , very limited option a good education, unstable economy , among others issues. • In addition, the Latin community is being target of discrimination and the lack of opportunities; very similar that Black-community faced before, during, and after the Civil War in the United States. However; this group counted with extraordinary people like Mary McLeod Bethune worked in pro of their civil rights, without prejudice in national origin, skin color, and social and economic background, language use, and political views. For Mary McLeod, education became the key in how Black-American could move up to take a place in the American society. In my opinion, education is the base of a fair society. When I talk about education, it means that it should be start at home. Parents should be the first source of information for their children. They should teach them with values, knowledge, ideas, and history. As well, parents should teach and inculcate to their children, the respect, tolerance, and love to their family, friends, classmates, and community’s members. Parents should not delegate their responsibilities to the educational centers in the education of their children. Moreover, parents should enhance the family as the core of a fair and transparent society.

17. RELATION STEVE • Mary McLeod Bethune Women in History Web 6 Apr 2012 http://lkwdpl.org/wihohio/beth-mar.htm •  Mary McLeod Bethune 1875 - 1955 Invest in the human soul. Who knows,it may be a diamond in the rough. Profiles in Caring Web 6 Apr 2012 http://www.nahc.org/NAHC/Val/Columns/SC10-6.html • The issue of what Mary Bethune had to endure and overcome was racism, death threats, pioneering the way for black students to overcome insurmountable odds. She was born to former slaves after the Civil War. • Mary McLeod Bethune, born to former slaves a decade after the end of the Civil War, devoted her life to ensuring the right to education and freedom from discrimination for black Americans. Bethune believed that through education, blacks could begin to earn a living in a country that still opposed racial equality. Bethune worked tirelessly until her death and would not rest while there was "a single Negro boy or girl without a chance to prove his worth." (Mary McLeod Bethune 1875 – 1955) • She had to figure out the problems of starting a school from the ground up from literally nothing. She started with no monetary means, but with an idea for the good of others she set out to do what she could. • Mary McLeod also accomplished many firsts in her life through sheer determination. Caring for her girls paved the way for the beginning of an amazing life full of accomplishments and success from her unselfish persona. • With her school a success, Bethune became increasingly involved in political issues. It was through her discussions with Vice President Thomas Marshall that the Red Cross decided to integrate, and blacks were allowed to perform the same duties as whites. In 1917, she became president of the Florida Federation of Colored Women. In 1924, Bethune became president of the National Association of Colored Women, at that time the highest national office a black woman could aspire. And in 1935, she formed the National Council of Negro Women to take on the major national issues affecting blacks. (Mary McLeod Bethune 1875 – 1955)

18. RELATION ASHLEY • The need for an education has changed over the years from wanting an education to needing one. In the history of Mary McLeod Bethune this was evident from the moment she picked up a book and the white children told her to put it down because she didn’t know how to read. I learned from Bethune that wanting an education was the best part of getting an education. • Today, it is the right of every individual, no matter the color of their skin, or their financial status, that they be given the opportunity to complete a formal education. When Bethune was growing up she was not given the same opportunities as white children were, in the form of her education. With her determination, will power, encouragement from home, and the kindness of the missionary teachers, Bethune learned the importance of an education and strived to pass this knowledge on to everyone she knew. • I have learned over the years that getting an education was necessary to achieve my career goals, but learning about Mary McLeod Bethune has taught me to appreciate the knowledge I am receiving and to pass this on to future generations.

19. MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE

20. CONCLUSION • It would have been one of the highest honors to associate with Mary McLeod Bethune! As one of the women to change our world she could probably win the prize for being the most tireless in her ambition to make sure there was equality. • We all contribute in some small way to the goodness of mankind but to be honored with the example of Mary McLeod Bethune feels daunting to live up to her legacy. It would be with much satisfaction to sometime in the future, shake her hand, embrace her and be able to say Thank You!

21. BETHUNE –CHAPMAN STUDENTS AT PLAY… ACTUALLY LIVING HER DREAM!

22. REFERENCES • Bicentennial Project Editorial Board, South Carolina’s Blacks and Native Americans 1776- 1976. (Columbia, S.C. State Human Affairs Commission, 1976), 119-120. • Bullock, Ralph W. “Mary McLeod Bethune” in Spite of Handicaps. (Freeport, N.Y.: Books for Libraries Press, 1927, 1968), 103-109. • Fleming, Sheila Y. “Bethune-Cookman College” in Black Women in America: An Historical Encyclopedia. (Brooklyn, N.Y.: Carlson Publishing Co., 1982), 127-128. • Holt, Rackham. Mary McLeod Bethune: A Biography. (Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday and Co., Inc., 1964). • Love, Dorothy M. “Mary Jane McLeod Bethune” in a Salute to Historic Black Women. (Chicago: Empak Publishing Co., 1984), 6. • Reagon, Bernice. “Bethune, Mary Jane McLeod” in Dictionary of American Negro Biography. (New York: W.W. Norton and Co., 1982), 41-43. • Smith, Elaine M. “Bethune, Mary McLeod” in Black Women in America: An Historical Encyclopedia. (Brooklyn, N.Y.: Carlson Publishing Co., 1993), 113-127. • Smith, Elaine M. “Mary McLeod Bethune” in Notable Black American Women. (Detroit: Gale Research Inc., 1992), 86-92. • Sterne, Emma Gelders. Mary McLeod Bethune. (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., 1957).

23. QUOTES FROM MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE • Cease to be a drudge, seek to be an artist. Mary McLeod BethuneFaith is the first factor in a life devoted to service. Without it, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible. Mary McLeod BethuneI never stop to plan. I take things step by step. Mary McLeod BethuneInvest in the human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough. Mary McLeod BethuneKnowledge is the prime need of the hour. Mary McLeod BethuneThe drums of Africa still beat in my heart. They will not let me rest while there is a single Negro boy or girl without a chance to prove his worth. Mary McLeod BethuneThe true worth of a race must be measured by the character of its womanhood. Mary Mcleod BethuneThe whole world opened to me when I learned to read. Mary McLeod BethuneWe have a powerful potential in out 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 BethuneWhatever glory belongs to the race for a development unprecedented in history for the given length of time, a full share belongs to the womanhood of the race. Mary McLeod BethuneWithout faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible. Mary McLeod Bethune

24. MARY MCLEOD BETHUNES LEGACY • “Sometimes I ask myself if I have any legacy to leave. My worldly possessions are few. Yet, my experiences have been rich. From them I have distilled principles and policies in which I firmly believe. Perhaps, in them there is something of value. So, as my life draws to a close, I will pass them on to Negroes everywhere in hope that his philosophy may give them inspiration. Here then, is my legacy • I LEAVE YOU LOVE… • I LEAVE YOU HOPE… • I LEAVE YOU A THIRST FOR EDUCATION… • I LEAVE YOU FAITH… • I LEAVE YOU RACIAL DIGNITY… • I LEAVE YOU A DESIRE TO LIVE HARMONIOUSLY WITH YOUR FELLOW MEN… • I LEAVE YOU FINALLY A RESPONSIBILITY TO OUR YOUNG PEOPLE… • If I have a legacy to leave my people, it is my philosophy of living and serving. As I face tomorrow, I am content. I pray now that my philosophy may be helpful to those who share my vision of a world of Peace.” • http://www.cookman.edu/about_BCU/history/lastwill_testament.html

25. REFLECTION*** TANEA • Mary McLeod Bethune is a woman that set an example for all women to live up to. She dedicated her life to her vision of equality for women through education. She was industrious, hard-working, resourceful and charitable. It was a great pleasure to research and learn about this amazing woman. • Mary McLeod Bethune started her own school with only $1.50 and sheer determination. It was during a time when women, let alone black women, were discriminated against. She believed in herself and her love for learning and felt it was her duty and obligation to help others share her vision of equality. • As I visited Bethune-Chapman University I was fascinated with the reverence associated with her name. Knowing that she sacrificed so much for them, the students at Bethune Chapman University that I had the opportunity to visit with, felt so much gratitude it was undeniable. Walking around campus was a new experience for me as I was the minority. It was the first time that I had been in a situation where I was the only white girl. I was made to feel welcome. I shared smiles with students and faculty. Of course, there was the occasional look of “what the heck is she doing here” but mostly students were happy to share their knowledge and admiration of Mary McLeod Bethune. • I feel that I have learned much from this great woman. I am thankful that Mary McLeod Bethune believed in herself and others so that she could change our world for the better!

26. REFLECTION*** IRENE • Reflection about Mary McLeod Bethune • Mary McLeod Bethune was an amazing leader and worker who dedicated her life to improve the lives’ of Black people in the United States. Mary was considerate as an enthusiastic teacher for her great service in pro of African-Americans. Her main purposes in her life were education and the racial equality. For her, education meant a key to improve the lives of African-Americans and take a place in American society. • Bethune worked hard to achieve her goals; goals that involved to help other people by the education. In 1904, she started the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls, which currently became Bethune–CookmanCollege. • I am impressing with her life, her achievements, and her great capacity as a Civil Rights leader. She was a valiant woman, who worked in pro of the right of African-Americans, equal education for black children, women’s suffrage, and access of opportunities into the American society. As well, she founded the organization called The National Council of Negro Women, whose purpose is in representation of national and international concerns of black women. This organization also gives the opportunity for black women to realize their goals for social justice and human rights through united, constructive action. • In my opinion, Bethune was a smarter woman because she got advantages, in a positive way, of her different charges and influential connections with the White House, -four different presidents - and her close ties with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and influential in helping to improve the quality of life of African-Americans and see more of them in different advisory positions. • Bethune‘s legacy is indisputable; her love for the education, the fight for the civil rights for African-Americans, and her leaderships are values that have lasted for years, and inspire many people to do things in the right way. Her job was rewarded with many honors; she became the first woman and the first African-American to be honored with a statue in a public park in Washington, D.C. in 1974. • It is very interesting to know the life of relevant woman, who worked for the integration of all her people to the American society. Her legacy of faith, scholarship, dedication, and service talks of her great labor that she did in the social, cultural, civic, and educational fields in pro to a right society. • If everybody could rescue a little piece of her goodness and sensibility in how she did her job, I am sure that the society will be different in the sense, in how we carry out our lives, leaving the selfishness and excessive eagerness for material things, and replace these for things that can enrich our hearts and be more sensitive with people that want an opportunity whose only purpose is to get a better quality of life and opportunities to achieve the goals. She definitively made a great contribution to the society. • By Irene Lagos

27. REFLECTION ***STEVE • One of the many things Mary McLeod Bethune did was open up doors for blacks who had previously had no opportunities for public education. She was a pioneer in most of her accomplishments having many firsts in many of them. She gave her time and effort to achieving what was not possible in the past, helping blacks move forward out of slavery to becoming citizens of this country . She literally started with nothing and built up Bethune-Cookman University. She rented a house she didn’t have money for, started a school for black girls and never looked back. She started with less than ten girls and went from there to building an entire University. Incredibly she did this with nothing more than an idea and sheer determination and Gods help. She was a rare person indeed being one of only a few with the guts, determination, and intelligence to accomplish her many achievements. I don’t think for a second she was looking for fame of glory but only for the needs of others. This quality of her unselfish service and many achievements put her in a class with Martin Luther King; bringing blacks forward from obscurity and persecution to members of a society with equality and opportunities never before possible. Mary Bethune was defiantly a god send for this nation helping with the long process of bringing races together by giving educational opportunities to the blacks.

28. REFLECTION***ASHLEY • Learning about Mary McLeod Bethune opened my eyes to the way women and especially African-American women were treated in the 1900’s. She was an amazing woman and dedicated her life for equal education for black children, women’s suffrage, and educating African-Americans so they could have the same rights and privileges as every American. • Reading about Mary McLeod Bethune’s childhood and the strong influential people she was surrounded by, is an encouragement to keep perusing my dreams and has inspired me to help others reach their ultimate potential in life. • I am impressed with the way Mary McLeod Bethune overcame adversities in her life and the goals she achieved with hard work and dedication. I am taking away from this project the knowledge that even one person can make a difference in society. We need to follow our dreams, pursue our education, because to Bethune education was a key to help improve the lives of African-Americans and helped them take a productive place in society, and be involved with our community.