community may have its challenges and struggles , we care for each other and the legacy we leave for future generations .”
For Lohman and the other members of the Statuary Fund board , the selection of Mary McLeod Bethune to represent the State of Florida in the National Statuary Hall is about more than just honoring Bethune ’ s legacy but carries significant meaning and purpose as the nation continues to struggle with issues of race , class and gender .
Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry who serves as a statuary fund board member concurs . “ This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in her words , to allow yourself to learn from her experiences ,” he said . “ Learn from the things she overcame . When you find yourself in a moment where you are challenged , look back to how she did it .”
“ Mary McLeod Bethune inspires us to build a better world ,” Lohman said . “ Her statue reminds us that representation matters , and her story reminds us to never underestimate our ability to make a difference . She was one of the greatest Floridians in our history .”
Lohman and her fellow board members see the decision by the State of Florida to replace the statue of Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith with one of Bethune as more than a celebration of inclusion and an acknowledgment of the famed educator ’ s impact on the community . It is a teachable moment as well .
To that end , the creation of the documentary and school curriculum will provide students from kindergarten through high school the opportunity to learn about Mary McLeod Bethune . “ The statue allows us to tell the story of Mary McLeod Bethune through its symbolism ,” Lohman said . “ Every child growing up needs to learn about Mary McLeod Bethune .”
Lohman said the chance to tell Bethune ’ s story to a new generation is timelier than ever today .
“ We have this beautiful opportunity to focus on telling the story of Mary McLeod Bethune and learn from her lifetime achievements . The symbolism of Dr . Bethune in a cap and gown represents her value of education , the cane FDR presented to her represents her commitment to advancing opportunities for African Americans and women , the stack of books each sculpted with a different tenant of her last will and testament speak to her core values . The black rose symbolizes her belief that “ loving thy neighbor ” means interracial , inter-religious and international brotherhood and her facial expression captures her determined yet gentle demeanor ,” she said .
For Lloyd , the impact of the Statuary Fund effort goes beyond Daytona Beach and Florida .
“ I believe the statue does not just honor the life and legacy of Dr . Bethune ,” he said . “ It also represents what we value in ourselves as citizens of Daytona Beach , Volusia County , Florida and the United States of America . Mary McLeod Bethune represents the best of us and what we aspire to be .”
On March 19 , 2018 , Governor Rick Scott signed the law requesting the Joint Committee on the Library of Congress to approve the replacement of the statue of Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith in the National Statuary Hall Collection with a statue of Dr . Mary McLeod Bethune .
Dr . Mary McLeod Bethune Statue is temporarily on display at the News-Journal Center at Daytona State College co-hosted by several organizations including Bethune-Cookman University .
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