In my book Eternity through the Rearview Mirror, I included Mary McLeod Bethune because I knew upon researching her that she belonged among the 17 world-changers I would profile. Historically, she’s an undeniably important figure of her era. An advisor to presidents, an educator, philanthropist, stateswoman, and civil rights activist, her impact is not confined to her times. In this time of pandemic and frightening uncertainty, Mary McLeod Bethune reminds us that we can overcome immense obstacles and that our faith can be both comfort and guide.
The 15th of 17 children, Mary McLeod Bethune was born in 1875. Many of her older brothers and sisters had been sold into slavery. Having been born after the Civil War, Bethune may have been free, but she grew up in an impoverished environment; in fact, she had not even seen a spoon until she was twelve years old, much less eat with one! As a black person living during the era of Jim Crow, Bethune could not dine among whites, drink out of the same water fountain, use the same transportation, live in a white neighborhood, or even go to a white hospital if she or her family members became ill. She had powerful obstacles in her path.
What Bethune did have going for her was her personal relationship with God, and that made all the difference. She understood that, with God, she was more than able and could achieve goals otherwise unattainable. As a young girl, and one day while hanging laundry, she had a profound realization. She concluded that if her life were to be filled with love, she must first give it. I think that bears repeating: to have love, she must first give it. She must have been very mature—or practical—for her age, don’t you think? That realization propelled her through life, helping her overcome encounters with bigotry and hatred. She developed a fierce determination complemented by her courtesy and goodwill.
She started a school with $1.50
In 1905, and with only $1.50 to her name, Bethune opened the Daytona Literary and Industrial Institute for Negro Girls, a boarding house and school. That $1.50 is the equivalent of today’s $43.70. She went on to become an educator, civil rights activist, integrator of the Red Cross, political advisor to four United States Presidents, founder and president of Bethune- Cookman University in Daytona Beach Florida (still going strong), and it all started with $1.50, plenty of faith, and no fear in asking strangers for help.
Bethune’s mother, although not born free, was of African nobility and instilled in her the heart of a warrior. “I was my mother’s daughter,” Bethune wrote, “and the drums of Africa beat in my heart.” She went on to say: “They would not let me rest while there was a single Negro boy or girl without a chance to prove his worth. We fought for America with all her imperfections, not so much for what she was, but for what we knew she could be.”
Do you want to be like Mary McLeod Bethune? Then ask yourself: what could you do with a little faith, and $43.70?