Mary McLeod Bethune

Mary McLeod Bethune was an American educator and civil rights leader. She was born in Mayesville, South Carolina, in 1875. She founded a school that became Bethune-Cookman University. She was one of the most important African American leaders of the 1900s.

Early Life

Bethune was born to parents who had been enslaved. She walked five miles to school every day. She was the only one of her 17 siblings to get an education. She dreamed of becoming a teacher and spreading education.

The small cabin where Mary McLeod Bethune grew up.
The small cabin where Mary McLeod Bethune grew up. (Moni3 at en.wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

Bethune started a school for African American girls in 1904 with just $1.50. The school grew into Bethune-Cookman University. She became an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She was one of the highest-ranking African Americans in the government at that time.

Fun Facts

  • Bethune started her school with $1.50 and five students.
  • She was the only woman in Roosevelt's unofficial Black Cabinet of advisors.
  • She was one of 17 children in her family.

Did You Know?

Bethune raised money for her school by baking and selling sweet potato pies. From that humble beginning, she built one of the most important colleges for African Americans. She proved that one determined person can change the world.