Chapter 14: The New Deal "Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune"

Introduction This Bethune-Cookman College Web site pays tribute to the school's founder—Mary McLeod Bethune. Born to former slaves, Bethune learned early to cherish the education that would lift her out of the South's cotton fields. She became an educator herself and then turned her attention to national education and child welfare issues. As a leader of civic clubs, she earned a reputation as a capable consultant on African American affairs. Over time, she defied traditional roles assigned to African Americans and to women and became one of the most influential advisers in President Franklin Roosevelt's Black Cabinet. Because of her many accomplishments, one leader in the first half of the 20th century labeled her the "foremost woman of her race in the United States." Destination Title: The Life of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window. Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips. Directions Start at The Life of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Web site. Browse through the site, taking notes as you go. After you have read through the information, answer the following questions. 1. What qualified Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune to be a national adviser on African American affairs? 2. What methods did Bethune use to influence politics? 3. In what ways did Bethune challenge traditional roles assigned to African Americans and women? 4. What was Bethune's opinion of the reforms that improved African American's lives? 5. Imagine that you are Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. Write a short monologue that summarizes your contributions to the struggles for equal rights. Be sure to identify how you challenged traditional views of African Americans and women.