Biography of Mary McLeod Bethune, Civil Rights Activist

On May 18, 1955, Mary McLeod Bethune, American educator, founder of Bethune-Cookman College, and civil rights leader, died at the age of 79.

"Mary McLeod Bethune (born Mary Jane McLeod; July 10, 1875–May 18, 1955) was a trailblazing African American educator and civil rights leader. Bethune, who strongly believed that education was the key to equal rights, founded the groundbreaking Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute (now known as the Bethune-Cookman College) in 1904. She also opened a hospital, served as CEO of a company, advised four U.S. presidents, and was chosen to attend the founding convention of the United Nations."