MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE
EDUCATION
Early Life
Mary Jane McLeod was born in Mayesville, South Carolina, on July 10, 1875. Her parents were former slaves. She attended a mission school, a seminary, and the Moody Bible Institute.
Becoming an Educator
Shortly after returning to the South in 1896, Mary began her career as a teacher. She opened the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute in 1904 in Florida. Her school opened in October 1904, with six pupils, five girls and her own son; there was no equipment; crates were used for desks and charcoal took the place of pencils; and ink came from crushed berries.
She served as the school's president for nearly 40 years. Mary was determined to provide educational opportunities for African-American students. Under her leadership, the school merged with the Cookman Institute for men in 1923 and became Bethune-Cookman College.
She served as the school's president for nearly 40 years. Mary was determined to provide educational opportunities for African-American students. Under her leadership, the school merged with the Cookman Institute for men in 1923 and became Bethune-Cookman College.
Making More Changes
Mary became an active voice on behalf of both women and African Americans. She began the National Council of Negro Women in 1935 and served in various positions to further the rights of African Americans.
She received a high honor in 1936, when President Franklin Roosevelt appointed her as head of the Division of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration, the highest government position then held by a woman.
Her educational and political accomplishments were widely recognized and she received many awards. Mary died on May 18, 1955 and 30 years later, she was honored with a postage stamp in her name.
She received a high honor in 1936, when President Franklin Roosevelt appointed her as head of the Division of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration, the highest government position then held by a woman.
Her educational and political accomplishments were widely recognized and she received many awards. Mary died on May 18, 1955 and 30 years later, she was honored with a postage stamp in her name.
