MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE: A BLACK PIONEER IN EDUCATION AND CIVIL RIGHTS

 Born in 1875, Mary McLeod Bethune faced numerous obstacles, including the pervasive racism and limited educational opportunities for African Americans during her time. However, through her unyielding determination and visionary spirit, she founded the Daytona Educational and Industrial Institute in Florida, which later became Bethune-Cookman College. This institution played a vital role in shaping the futures of countless African American students, empowering them with the education and skills needed to thrive in society. Bethune recognized that education was a powerful tool for liberation and worked tirelessly to create opportunities where none existed. Her status as a prominent educator, civil rights leader, and advisor to several U.S. presidents highlights her significant contribution to advancing equal rights and dismantling barriers for black Americans and minorities.