Mary McLeod Bethune
July 10, 1875–May 18, 1955
Educator who built a school with $1.50 into a university, advised President Roosevelt, and became one of the most powerful Black women in American history.
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Who Was Mary McLeod Bethune?
Educator who built a school with $1.50 into a university, advised President Roosevelt, and became one of the most powerful Black women in American history.
Mary McLeod Bethune was born on July 10, 1875, in Mayesville, South Carolina, the fifteenth of seventeen children and the first in her family born free. Her parents Samuel and Patsy McLeod had been enslaved. At age 9, Mary walked five miles to attend the Trinity Presbyterian Mission School. She won a scholarship to Scotia Seminary and then studied at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.
In 1904, Bethune opened a school for Black girls in Daytona Beach, Florida, starting with $1.50, five students, and homemade ink from elderberries. That school grew into Bethune-Cookman College (now University). In 1935, she founded the National Council of Negro Women. President Roosevelt appointed her Director of the Division of Negro Affairs within the National Youth Administration, making her the highest-ranking Black woman in government. She was a key member of FDR's 'Black Cabinet.'
"The whole world opened to me when I learned to read."- Mary McLeod Bethune, Widely attributed to Bethune in speeches about her early education
Bethune attended the founding conference of the United Nations in 1945 as the only Black woman. She died on May 18, 1955, at age 79. In 2022, she became the first Black person to represent a state with a statue in the U.S. Capitol's National Statuary Hall (representing Florida). Her last will and testament remains a powerful document of her philosophy on love, hope, and education.
Key Events in Mary McLeod Bethune's Life
Did You Know?
Bethune started her school with just $1.50 and five students!
She made ink from elderberries and pencils from burned wood.
She was the highest-ranking Black woman in FDR's government.
She attended the founding of the United Nations in 1945.
In 2022, her statue was placed in the U.S. Capitol.
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Mary McLeod Bethune Complete Teaching Bundle
Lesson Plan
8-page comprehensive lesson plan with learning objectives, activities, and assessment. Differentiation included.
Student Workbook
12-section interactive workbook with reading passages, activities, quizzes, and a completion certificate.
Flashcard Set
40 cards across 6 categories: vocabulary, key facts, events, quotes, fun facts, and review challenges.
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