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First Black American in National Statuary Hall - Renowned Educator and Civil Rights Activist, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune


Exciting history was made on July 13, as a statue of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune was unveiled at the U.S. Capitol. This makes her the first Black American in the National Statuary Hall collection. Her statue replaces one of Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith. This unveiling symbolizes a renewal of hope. “Today we are rewriting the history we want to share with our future generations. We are replacing a remnant of hatred and division with a symbol of hope and inspiration,” said Rep. Frederica Wilson. In addition to this, the statue was created by Nilda Comas, the first Hispanic artist with a statue in the national hall.

Dr. Bethune was born in 1875 to two formerly enslaved people. She grew up in South Carolina, later attending a seminary in North Carolina. She was one of 16 siblings and was the only one to attend a mission school. In 1904, Dr. Bethune started her own boarding school. She was the founder of the Daytona Literary and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls, which is now known as the HBCU Bethune-Cookman University.

Throughout her life, Dr. Bethune served as a civil rights activist, presidential adviser to five U.S. presidents, world-renowned educator and human rights leader. "She was a Black woman with power, with access to the White House, when few Black people were allowed in."

In 1936 she started serving as the director of Negro Affairs for the National Youth Administration under President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She also served on his "Black Cabinet" where she was the only Black woman. Throughout her time working with President FDR, she became close friends with the first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt.

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune made what seemed impossible, possible. As a child she picked up a book and was told, ‘Put that down. You can’t read.’ But she refused to be defined by those children that day, and went on to become one of the most powerful educators and most influential women in Florida’s history, and in the history of our nation.”

In 1955 Dr. Bethune passed away, however her legacy and work in education has continued to live on at her University. There is no better illustration of her beautiful worldview than her famous quote which has been inscribed on the pedestal of her statue: "Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it may be a diamond in the rough."

We celebrate the inspiring life of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune today. May we continue to be reminded of her hopeful spirit and belief in humanity, while always striving to improve and create a more just world.

You can watch the unveiling of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune's statue on YouTube here.
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