Political Quotes

“Mr. President, Florida recently approved the placement of a statue of a truly inspirational woman, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, in the National Statuary Hall here in Washington, DC. Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune was an American educator, stateswoman, philanthropist, humanitarian, and civil rights activist. In 1904, Dr. Bethune founded Literature and Industrial Training School for African- American students in Daytona Beach, FL, now Bethune-Cookman University. She founded and was the president of the State Federation of Colored Women's Club, where she led the fight against school segregation and healthcare inequality. Dr. Bethune also served as president of the National Association of Colored Women's Club and founded the National Council of Negro Women. Dr. Bethune became the first African-American woman to head a Federal agency when President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed her administrative assistant for Negro Affairs of the National Youth Administration. She advised the President on concerns of African Americans and helped deliver his message and achievements with the African American community. Dr. Bethune became known as the First Lady of the Struggle because of her commitment to improve the lives of African Americans. Dr. Bethune maintained high standards and attracted tourists and donors to Bethune-Cookman College. She was president of the college from 1923 to 1942 and 1946 to 1947, one of the few women in the world to serve as a college president at that time.…”