The notable achievements of educator and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune is epic. She was the child of former slaves and the hurdles she overcame, despite oppressive segregation and racism, is inspirational. She was born Mary Jane McLeod on this day in 1875 in Mayesville, South Carolina, and was the lone child of her 17 siblings to be born free.
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As recalled by McLeod Bethune, she accompanied her mother on a laundry delivery to a White family. When she entered the children’s nursery, she would open a book and one of the White children reportedly snatched the book, telling her to “put that down…you can’t read.”
As chance would have it, a Black missionary visited the home of the McLeods who was starting school. Money was scarce and only one of the children could go. Mary Jane was chosen. She would walk five miles back and forth, finishing her schoolwork by candlelight. She graciously taught what she learned to her family during their free time.
Source: Happy Birthday To Educator And Activist Mary McLeod Bethune
