“ She dabbled in many different businesses ,” said Dr . Tasha L . Youmans , Library Dean / Chief Librarian at Bethune-Cookman University . “ She saw a need ; she established a business to meet that need .”
Community Recognition
In honor of her many contributions to Daytona Beach , the country and especially the Black community , an 11-ft , white marble statue of Dr . Bethune , created by master sculptor Nilda Comas , will be erected at the U . S . Capitol ’ s Statuary Hall later this year after making a stop in Daytona Beach .
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 .”
Being a son of Bethune-Cookman University and a part of this sacred campus for over 40 years , I ’ ve seen a lot . Comings , goings , challenges , wins , losses , strife , diversity , but most importantly , I ’ ve seen and felt a tremendous impact from the work of Dr . Mary McLeod Bethune . This impact wasn ’ t simply because she was a tremendous educator and a tremendous advocate for equality , she also had a tremendous drive to succeed . She was tenacious , she wouldn ’ t take no for an answer , she knew what she needed and she would unceasingly work to achieve that need until it was completed . Dr . Bethune had all of the ingredients of a successful entrepreneur . Grit . Determination . Tenacity . Passion . Drive . As we reflect upon her tremendous impact on our local community , it ’ s important for us all to seek inspiration from her footprints . It is my hope that Dr . Bethune ’ s legacy will march on inside of all us , and as the statue of her likeness is installed in Statuary Hall , may we all take the time to reflect on our contributions to our youth , to our local community and to the world . May the spirit of Dr . Bethune live in all of our hearts , minds and souls . – Dr . Hiram Powell , Interim-President
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 .
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 .”
Dr . Mary McLeod Bethune in front of White Hall
AUGUST 2021 | 9 |