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| "Our aim must be to create a world of fellowship and justice where no man's skin color is held against him." |
As we enter into a new year, this weekend I am focusing on education. Simply Said Media puts the spotlight on Educator and Civil Rights Activist, Mary McLeod Bethune.
As I look back into her story of struggle, triumphs and outstanding achievements it reinforces the simplicity in taking hold and putting to action the words "determination." Also when someone tells you that you "can't" and you prove to them and yourself that you can, will and go beyond anyone's expectations of you - that is sweet victory!
When Mary was seven, she picked up a book in the house where her mother worked. The white owner's daughter snatched it from her and said "You don't need that, Negroes can't read." From that moment on Mary was determined to learn to read.
I encourage you to google or do some research on our past great accomplished Black Pioneers. Below details a few important moments in her life.
Born: July 10, 1875, Mayesville, South Carolina to Samuel and Patsy McLeod.
Family: Married Albertus Bethune, in 1897 they separated but did have one son, Albert.
Education: Trinity Presbyterian Mission School, 1886; Scotia Seminary, 1894; Moody Bible Institute, 1895.
Awards: Spingarn Medal, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), 1935; Frances Drexel Award for Distinguished Service, 1937; Thomas Jefferson Award, 1942; Medal of Honor and Merit (Haiti), 1949; Star of Africa (Liberia), 1952; honorary degrees from several universities.
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
1904: Founded Daytona Normal and Industrial School.
1920: Vice-president of the National Urban League.
1923: Merged her school with a boy's school to form Bethune-Cookman College.
1924-28: President of National Association of Colored Women.
1935: Formed National Council of Negro Women and became its president.
1936-43: Director of Division of Minority Affairs, National Youth Administration.
1945: Special representative for U.S. State Department at the conference that formed the United Nations.
1952: Traveled to Africa to represent the United States at the inauguration of William Tubman as president of Liberia.
1974: A seventeen-foot statue was erected in Washington, D.c., in her memory and honor.
Mary McLeod Bethune past away on May 18, 1955, in Daytona Beach, Florida, she was 79. She was buried on the campus grounds of the school she founded. She believed that every child should have a good education. This belief is something that should resonate in the minds of all parents continuously.
When looking back at her story I find a strong black woman who made a way out of no way to accomplish the desired goal. For example, when she opened up her school, there were no funds to run it. She baked pies and sold them to railroad workers to cover the rental expenses of the building. She made ink from wild berry juice. She made pencils out of charred firewood. She even picked through the town's garbage dumps to help furnish the school. She went door to door to get donations to help support the school. As the school grew more buildings were needed to house the students. Mary got support from two white millionaires with their help her school remained opened even through the Great Depression.
Her story is remarkable, her accomplishments amazing and inspiring to all. No matter what color you are education is essential to the advancement of self. Dare to explore and challenge your mind to learn new things. Look at your obstacles as an opportunity to overcome, because in the end your determination, hard work and efforts will pay off in ways you've probably could never imagine. Mary is still considered one of the most powerful black women in American history.
Simply Said Media Salutes Mary McLeod Bethune!
Till my next entry...
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| Statue honoring her memory in Washington, D.C. |
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