Celebrating Black History - Mary McLeod Bethune
Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955) was one of the most important black educators of her time, and a leader in both the civil and woman’s rights movement. Born after the civil war, Bethune was one of the first in her family to be able to have a full education, graduating from the Scotia Seminary in 1864.
She became an educator, starting the Daytona Beach Literary and Industrial School for Training Negro Girls in 1904. By 1929 it merged with the Cookman Institute, becoming Bethune-Cookman College. Under her administration the college won full accreditation and grew to an enrollment of more than 1,000 by 1947.
Bethune presenting a certificate to Miss Dorothy Height, Director of the YWCA
Bethune was also a champion of civil and woman’s rights. A prominent organizer, Bethune became the founding president of the National Council of Negro Woman 1935. In 1936, President Roosevelt named her director of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration, and in 1940 she became vice-president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored Persons (NAACP), and the only woman of the color at the founding conference of the United Nations in 1945.
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Celebrating Black History Series
Black greatness is a reality every day, all year, not just during Black history month. For that reason, we are making a commitment to recognize diverse history-makers throughout the year because Black history is American history. Our “Spotlight on Black History” will feature well-known, and lesser-known black heroes trailblazers, changemakers, and community champions. Black Americans have made invaluable contributions to science, education, healthcare, the arts, civil rights, politics, and culture. Their stories have made an indelible mark in every aspect of our society, and we hope that you will join us as we salute Black history-makers. Who are the black heroes in your life? Email Lauren at lbrown@cispac.org with your tribute and we may feature it on our platforms.