Mary Mcleod Bethune May 2026

Mary McLeod Bethune (1875–1955) was a monumental educator, civil rights leader, and presidential advisor who dedicated her life to the advancement of Black Americans and women. Born to formerly enslaved parents, she rose from poverty to become one of the most influential political and social figures of the 20th century.

Born on July 10, 1875, in Mayesville, South Carolina, she was the 15th of 17 children. mary mcleod bethune

The school merged with the Cookman Institute for Men in 1923, eventually becoming Bethune-Cookman University . Mary McLeod Bethune (1875–1955) was a monumental educator,

Lacking funds, she used charred wood for pencils and elderberry juice for ink. The school merged with the Cookman Institute for

Supported by scholarships, she graduated from Scotia Seminary (1894) and attended the Moody Bible Institute (1894–1895) with the goal of becoming a missionary. Founding Bethune-Cookman University

In 1904, with just $1.50 and five students, Bethune founded the in Daytona Beach, Florida.