Dr . Bethune meeting Harry S . Truman
States , be the co-founder of the United Negro College Fund , or fight for women to be given opportunities to join the military ,” Carter said . “ Dr . Bethune had the audacity to believe that African American boys and girls should have the opportunity to be educated , just like other children that didn ’ t look like them , because she knew education developed the head , the heart , and the hand .”
Carter said she is looking forward to seeing the statue and for others to have the opportunity before it is installed in the U . S . Capitol .
“ The unveiling of the Dr . Mary McLeod Bethune statues , both in Daytona Beach and in National Statuary Hall will be dynamic , unifying , and historic , not only for the greater Daytona Beach community , but for Florida and the United States ,” she said .
When Bethune died , newspapers around the country memorialized her and recognized her contributions to American society .
“ So great was her dynamism and force that it was impossible to resist her … Not only her own people but all of America has been enriched and ennobled by her courageous , ebullient spirit ,” wrote The Washington Post .
The Daytona Beach Evening News , forerunner of the Daytona Beach News-Journal , remembered Bethune in 1955 thusly : “ To some she seemed unreal , something that could not be … What right had she to greatness ? The lesson of Mrs . Bethune ’ s life is that genius knows no racial barriers .”
Her influence even echoed in the halls of Congress , where Rep . Adam Clayton Powell rose to speak about her the day after she died .
“ We have truly lost one whose great and gentle influence has shaped our lives over many years ,” he said . “ The people of America have lost the keen mind , the rich wisdom and the infinite courage of a woman who has contributed so much to her country . The life of Mary McLeod Bethune will forever serve the people of the United States as a profound source of inspiration .”
Perhaps Bethune ’ s most poignant legacy is to be found in her own words , delivered at a Women ’ s Leadership Conference in 1952 :
“ Let us build the world of our dreams . A world with freedom blessed . The world with justice at its heart . To hope and love addressed . A world that cares .”
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