Mary McLeod Bethune

This is the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial sculpture, located in Lincoln Park in Washington, DC. There is also a museum dedicated to her accomplishments in the city.

The memorial pays tribute to her true love education for all, especially children. Her contributions to the African American community don’t end with education. She also founded the National Council of Negro Women, in 1935, and was advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Ms. Bethune and Mrs. Roosevelt also worked to get black women in the Women Army Corps officer training program during WWII. Of these ladies, 850 would become part of the 6888th battalion who worked tirelessly overseas to organize and distribute mail to the troops. Ms. Bethune demonstrated, “Believe in yourself, learn and never stop wanting to build a better world.” Her powerful words are true even more today.