53 - South Carolina, Mary McLeod Bethune

This weekend was a huge and impactful step in racial issues of the United States. This battle has been going on for over 400 years. And 100 years ago ... there were people pointing to the solutions. Working to make a difference and bring all people to the same view across America. It hasn't taken hold yet. But here is one woman that dedicated her life above and beyond all other issues to make the difference. 

South Carolina adopted the Nineteenth Amendment to their constitution on July 1, 1969.

Ms. McLeod Bethune spent her life promoting education and respect for African American people. She started working in fields with her family at age five, her parents being slaves. Her early interest in education began as a white friend challenged her because she was unable to read. She fought through the limitations and was able to attend college. She started the Bethune-Cookman School for African-American girls and later for African-American boys, maintaining high standards, demonstrating what educated African Americans could do. Bethune adopted many educational philosophies, including emphasis on educating girls and women to improve the conditions of black people: “I believe that the greatest hope for the development of my race lies in training our women thoroughly and practically.” She taught the fundamentals for women to be self-sufficient, and grew to teach advanced classes.

Bethune became a national leader through women’s clubs and strong civic organizations. She was invited as a member of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Black Cabinet” aka the Federal Council of Negro Affairs to advise on concerns of African Americans. She was president of National Assoc. of Colored Women from 1924 working to register black voters. She rallied for unity of rights through the Southeastern Assoc. of Colored Women’s Clubs for conditions of domestic service, child welfare, travel, education, lynching, and voting rights. She co-founded United Negro College Fund giving scholarships and jobs to students at 37 colleges and universities. Just to name a few.

Why this woman?

This week aligned with this portrait of leading  women, and I can’t imagine a better person this week than Mary McLeod Bethune. In her time, the mainstream press praised her. Christian Century suggested, “the story of her life should be taught to every school child for generations to come.” The New York Times noted she was, “one of the most potent factors in the growth of interracial goodwill in America.” The Washington Post said: “So great were her dynamism and force that it was almost impossible to resist her ... Not only her own people, but all America has been enriched and ennobled by her courageous, ebullient spirit.” equally able to be what and how we all want to be.

She was a leader working with many presidents first hand, organizations that funded and supported black students and families, fought for rights and freedoms of women and men of all colors. She fought for everything people are advocating for today. Right now. The riots, battles, protests. The need to recognize the serious issues of today. 

It is shocking to see these issues so ripe today, a hundred years later. Why and how can we keep fighting for this? Women like Mary have been the voice of the disenfranchised. But without them, the voice is gone. Why? How can this last over generations, constantly starting over and over. I’m dismayed. She was a leader, a voice, that resonated. But the worst took over. And we have not grown.