Born on July 10, 1875, near Mayesville, Mary McLeod Bethune devoted her life to the advancement of her race.  She was one of the first pupils and later taught at Mayesville Mission School, located 50 yards west of this marker.  Bethune founded and directed educational policy at Bethune-Cookman College, a historically Black college in Daytona Beach, Florida.  She also founded the National Council of Negro Women in 1935.  In addition, Bethune was a member of the”Black Cabinet,” a select group of black appointees to New Deal agencies who advised President Roosevelt on racial matters.  She was also a consultant during the drafting of the United Nations Charter.  This noted humanitarian and educator died on May 18, 1955.  Buried at Bethune-Cookman College.

KEYWORDS: BETHUNE-COOKMAN COLLEGE, NATIONAL COUNCIL OF NEGRO WOMEN, MAYESVILLE, SUMTER COUNTY