Mary McLeod Bethune

Civil Rights Leader
BIRTHDAY
July 10,1875
Birthplace
SC
Age
May 18,1955,age 79
Birth Sign
Cancer
BIRTHDAY
July 10,1875 (age May 18,1955,age 79)
Birthplace
SC

About

Founder of Bethune-Cookman University, one of the earliest educational institutions that catered to black students. She was often referred to as "The First Lady of The Struggle" by her supporters.

Before Fame

She was a teacher at Haines Normal and Industrial Institute, which was founded and run by Lucy Craft Laney.

Trivia

Her Daytona home is now a Historic Landmark and the university itself is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

Family Life

She was born to former slaves and had to help the family work on the fields at age 5.

Associated With

She was an advisor for Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidential campaign and became part of his famed "Black Cabinet."