“ 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 |