Born: July 10, 1875

Died: May 18, 1955

Made her greatest impact in Washington D.C.

Summary:

Mary was an educator, organizer, and political activist. She was the first African American lady to organize an African American school for girls. On October 3, 1904, it opened with only five students attending. Mary was the first African American woman to be in the White House assisting four presidents. In 1928, President Calvin Coolidge asked Mary to take part in a child care conference. In 1929, President Herbert Hoover called Mary to become a member of two commissions. In 1933, Mary helped Franklin Roosevelt with the National Youth Administration. In 1951, she went to Africa to help Harry Truman. She worked to help young people find jobs. Mary organized conferences in D.C. concerning African Americans. In 1923, she founded the Bethune-Cookman College. In 1943, it had over 9,500 students graduate. It also offered bachelors degrees in over 26 major areas. Throughout her life, she encouraged African Americans to be proud they were American citizens. She used her wisdom and talents to improve our society today.

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 By Samantha St. Clair