Look at me. I am Black. I am beautiful.” ~ Mary McLeod Bethune.

In 1904, with only $1.50 to her name, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune founded the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls (now, Bethune-Cookman University).


Throughout her life, Dr. Bethune sought to uplift and to buttress the lives of Black Americans through education, organizations, politics, and strong leadership. Her endeavors were recognized by those she served, members of the press, presidents of the United States, a first lady of the United States, and countless others impacted by her works.