Hatcher: Mary Mcleod Bethune

A noted American educator, Mary McLeod Bethune was instrumental in the advancement of blacks during the first half of this century. The daughter of former slaves, Mary Bethune decided at an early age to dedicate her life to helping American blacks overcome the injustices and problems they faced. To achieve this goal, she focused her efforts on improving the quality of black education. By 1904 shehad founded the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute for Girls in Daytona, Florida. Bethune immersed herself in programs which enhanced the dignity of all black people. She not only founded the National Council of Negro Women but directed the Division of Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration from 1936 to 1943. As an expert on interracial relations, Bethune participated in the San Francisco Conference which organized the United Nations in 1945.