3rd Grade – Mary McLeod Bethune

Mary wanted to provide opportunities to African American children.She believed that through education, it was possible to earn a living.

She argued against slavery and believed in education and equal rights for everyone in America.

She believed in diligence - hard work . She was very dedicated - loyal . She wanted justice - equal treatment for all and was respectful and accepted authority.

1875 to 1955.

South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, and Washington, D.C.

Mary's parents were former slaves who could not go to school. She did not have enough money to start her own school but when she did she started with only $ 1.50 and five students.

Received an education and became a teacher and a principal. She won a medal of honor. She also started a school for African American girls in 1909 in Daytona Beach ,Florida which later grew to include boys - now called Bethune - Cookman College.