Mary McLeod Bethune was a prominent Black American educator, civil rights leader, and political activist. Born in 1875 to formerly enslaved parents in South Carolina, Bethune overcame poverty and discrimination to become one of the most influential figures of the 20th century.
Driven by her belief in the power of education to uplift communities, Bethune founded the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls in 1904, which later merged with the Cookman Institute to become Bethune-Cookman University. She emphasized the importance of practical skills alongside academics, providing opportunities for African American women to gain independence and empowerment through education.
Bethune was a tireless advocate for civil rights and gender equality. In 1935 she founded the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) in New York City, and served as an advisor to four U.S. presidents, including Franklin D. Roosevelt. She was the highest-ranking Black American woman in the federal government as director of the Division of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration. Mary McLeod Bethune's indomitable spirit and dedication to service continue to inspire people around the world.
The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.
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Mary McLeod Bethune