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.
Lacking funds, she used charred wood for pencils and elderberry juice for ink. 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,
Bethune broke numerous racial and gender barriers in the federal government: Mary McLeod Bethune - National Women's History Museum civil rights leader