Born July 10, 1875
Mayesville, South Carolina

Died May 18, 1955
Daytona Beach, Florida

Educator, advocate for black Americans
and women, administrator

"Colored people all along the eastern seaboard spread a feast whenever Mrs. Bethune passed their way. The chickens went flying off seeking a safe hiding place. They knew some necks would be wrung in her honor to make a heaping platter of southern fried chicken."

Langston Hughes from I Wonder As I Wander: An Autobiographical Journey

Mary McLeod Bethune was an educator, organizer, and activist. She was an advocate and spokeswoman for black Americans and for women in general. Having strong religious faith and a belief in the power of education, Bethune felt that the economic and political power of black...