Mary McLeod Bethune, “First Lady of the Struggle,” (1875-1955).
Educator, civil rights leader, humanitarian, social visionary, philanthropist, and government official, Dr. Bethune writes a poignant, if belated, reply on her foundation’s letterhead. Daytona Beach, FL, December 3, 1953.
In 1935, she founded the National Council of Negro Women, was appointed a WWII national adviser by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in what became known as his Black Cabinet, and had unprecedented access to the White House through her close friendship with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt.
Dr. Bethune is perhaps best remembered for starting the private school for girls in Daytona Beach that later expanded into Bethune-Cookman University, ranked among the top 30 HBCUs nationwide.