Dr . Hiram Powell , interim president at Bethune-Cookman University , reflects on this momentous occasion and the impact the daughter of former slaves made not only on B-CU but also on the people of Daytona Beach and its surrounding communities :
“ There is a photo of Dr . Mary McLeod Bethune hanging in my office , and every day , at the end of the workday , as I ’ m leaving , I turn and look at this photo . I ask myself , did I truly do all that I can do today for this institution ? If I cannot answer yes , I get back to work . That is the influence that Dr . Bethune has had on me , on Bethune-Cookman University , on the Daytona Beach community and [ on ] the world . Her drive to change the world coupled with her unceasing passion to educate young African Americans and to live a life of service unto others is what lives inside of me and keeps me moving forward .
As Dr . Bethune ’ s statue , on its journey to statuary hall in Washington DC , makes a stop in Daytona Beach , may we all be reminded of the tremendous responsibility that we all have to our youth , to our communities and to equality and diversity . We are humbled and grateful to be a part of this statuary project and may Dr . Bethune ’ s iconic presence continue to inspire us all and bring our communities closer together .”
She made a difference in people ’ s lives
These are just a few examples of Dr . Bethune ’ s legacy . At the time of her death on May 18 , 1955 , Dr . Mary McLeod Bethune was considered one of the greatest Black women to have lived . The Washington Post commented that “ not only are her own people , but all of America , has been enriched and ennobled by her courageous , ebullient spirit .”
“ She wasn ’ t just an average educator ,” Dr . Youmans said . “ She really had power . She moved quietly , but she was a force . Dr . Bethune was recognized by everyone , not just the Black community , but the white community as well , as being somebody . She made a difference in many people ’ s lives .”
Bethune-Cookman University staff members , Dr . Tasha L . Youmans , Library Dean / Chief Librarian ; Mr . Thomas Jelneck , Director of Marketing and Communications ; and Mrs . Linda Caldwell , writer , contributed to this article .
Management Consulting Leadership Development Customized Training Programs Organizational Assessment Strategic Planning Strategic Communications Contracting / Procurement Risk Management Grant Writing Research
Joseph C . Saviak , Ph . D ., J . D ., M . A ., M . S . 904.599.5678 SaviakConsulting . com
OCTOBER 2021 | 33 |