# Mary McLeod Bethune

> American educator and civil rights leader (1875-1955)

**Wikidata**: [Q291068](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q291068)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_McLeod_Bethune)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mary-mcleod-bethune

## Summary
Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955) was an American educator and civil rights leader who founded Bethune-Cookman University and was a prominent advocate for African American education and civil rights.

## Biography
- Born: 1875-07-10 (United States)
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Graduated from Moody Bible Institute, Bethune-Cookman University, and Johnson C. Smith University
- Known for: Founding Bethune-Cookman University and leading civil rights initiatives
- Employer(s): National Association of Colored Women's Clubs, Bethune-Cookman University, various government and educational positions
- Field(s): Education, civil rights, women's rights

## Contributions
- Founded Bethune-Cookman University in 1904
- Received the Spingarn Medal in 1940
- Inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1975
- Inducted into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame
- Served as a consultant to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
- Worked with the National Council of Negro Women

## FAQs
- Where did Mary McLeod Bethune work? She founded Bethune-Cookman University and served with the National Association of Colored Women's Clubs.
- What awards did she receive? She received the Spingarn Medal and was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame and Florida Women's Hall of Fame.
- What was her educational background? She graduated from Moody Bible Institute, Bethune-Cookman University, and Johnson C. Smith University.
- What was her primary contribution? She founded Bethune-Cookman University and was a key figure in African American education and civil rights.

## Why They Matter
Her founding of Bethune-Cookman University provided educational opportunities for African American students during a time of segregation. She influenced policy and legislation through her advocacy, helping to advance civil rights and educational opportunities for African Americans.

## Notable For
- Founded Bethune-Cookman University in 1904
- Received the Spingarn Medal in 1940
- Inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1975
- Inducted into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame
- Served as a consultant to the NAACP
- Worked with the National Council of Negro Women

## Body
### Early Life
Mary McLeod Bethune was born on July 10, 1875, in Mayesville, South Carolina. She was the 17th of 17 children in a family of former slaves. Bethune received her early education from a local church and later attended the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago.

### Education
Bethune attended several educational institutions throughout her life:
- Moody Bible Institute (1893-1895)
- Bethune-Cookman University (later founded by her, originally established as the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls in 1904)
- Johnson C. Smith University

### Career and Leadership
Bethune began her career as a teacher and eventually became a prominent leader in African American education and civil rights. She founded Bethune-Cookman University in 1904, which began as a small school for African American girls and grew into a comprehensive university.

She was also active in various organizations:
- National Association of Colored Women's Clubs
- National Council of Negro Women
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

### Awards and Recognition
Bethune received numerous honors for her work:
- Spingarn Medal (1940)
- Induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame (1975)
- Induction into the Florida Women's Hall of Fame

### Legacy
Bethune-Cookman University continues to operate today, providing education to thousands of students. Her work influenced the development of educational opportunities for African Americans and contributed to the broader civil rights movement.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. [Source](https://curiosity.lib.harvard.edu/black-teacher-archive/feature/florida)
3. [Source](https://curiosity.lib.harvard.edu/black-teacher-archive/feature/national)
4. [The Journal of Negro History](https://doi.org/10.1086/JNHv40n4p393)
5. The Feminist Companion to Literature in English
6. American Women Writers
7. [Source](https://documents.alexanderstreet.com/c/1007600702)
8. History of Missiology
9. [Source](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Spingarn-Medal)
10. [Source](https://www.womenofthehall.org/inductee/mary-mcleod-bethune/)
11. [Source](http://flwomenshalloffame.org/bio/mary-mcleod-bethune/)
12. [Source](https://www.nps.gov/mamc/learn/historyculture/the-council-house.htm)
13. Notable Black American Women
14. BlackPast.org
15. African-American Religious Leaders
16. International Standard Name Identifier
17. [Pan-Africanism Data Project](https://github.com/roopikarisam/panafricanismdataproject/blob/main/conference_on_africa_1944.csv)
18. [Source](https://www.nps.gov/mamc/learn/historyculture/index.htm)
19. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
20. SNAC
21. Find a Grave
22. Discogs
23. BnF authorities
24. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
25. [Source](https://www.bu.edu/missiology/missionary-biography/)
26. Quora
27. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File