Born on July 10, 1875, in Mayesville, South Carolina, she was the 15th of 17 children.

Mary McLeod Bethune (1875–1955) was a monumental educator, civil rights leader, and presidential advisor who dedicated her life to the advancement of Black Americans and women. Born to formerly enslaved parents, she rose from poverty to become one of the most influential political and social figures of the 20th century.

She was the only child in her family to attend school, walking miles daily to a local mission school.

She believed in "three-fold training" for the head, hand, and heart , combining academic learning with spiritual development and industrial skills. Political Leadership and Advocacy