Volusia County , said Bethune was the right choice for several reasons .
“ I think that to me she represents what our country is about , which is opportunity ,” he said . “ She started with a very small amount of money and a mission to educate and provide a greater opportunity to African-American students in her area here in Florida and as a result that determined act led to the improvement of thousands of lives .”
Renner said the fact that the legislation to select Mary McLeod Bethune as one of Florida ’ s two representatives in the National Statuary Hall occurred over the course of several legislative sessions is not a reflection of any hesitancy on the part of legislators .
“ Even on bills that ultimately pass unanimously , sometimes there is something new and sometimes it takes a couple of sessions ,” he said . “ That ’ s by design . Our system is set up for that so once we get it done , we get it done right .”
And in the case of Mary McLeod Bethune that is exactly what happened .
“ I think it ’ s really exciting ,” Renner said . “ She stands for a lot of what ’ s great about our country .”
The broad appeal of Bethune ’ s selection to represent Florida in the statuary hall is evident in the official announcement from Gov . Ron DeSantis , issued on her July 10 birthday , requesting her statue replace Smith ’ s .
“ Florida is proud to commemorate the 144th anniversary of Dr . Mary McLeod Bethune ’ s birthday by sending our state ’ s formal request to place her statue in National Statuary Hall , making her the first African-American to have a statecommissioned statue ,” DeSantis said in the release . “ Dr . Mary McLeod Bethune was an influential educator , leader and civil rights activist who became one of Florida ’ s and our nation ’ s most influential leaders . Dr . Bethune ’ s statue will represent the best of who we are as Floridians to visitors from around the world to our nation ’ s capitol . Her legacy endures and will continue to inspire future generations .”
The fact that Mary McLeod Bethune will be the first African American woman to represent a state in Statuary Hall is emblematic of her remarkable life , according to Dr . Michelle Carter , Executive Director of Vince Carter ’ s Embassy of Hope Foundation and Chief Executive Officer of Visions in Flight , Inc ., and a member of the Dr . Mary McLeod Bethune Statuary Fund board .
“ Dr . Bethune was an innovator ,” Carter said . “ She thought outside of the box and did not accept the status quo . She was a woman of great insight and seemed to ask why not instead of why .”
Carter said Bethune ’ s extraordinary life extended beyond Daytona Beach and Florida and her national prominence deserves to be recognized .
“ Who could have fathomed that such a woman
Dr . Bethune leading a graduation procession at Bethune-Cookman College . could be an advisor to a sitting President of the United
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