tive Director of the Lucy

Craft Laney Museum, share

with us more about the life

and legacy of such an amazing

woman.

(continued on Page 5)

After graduating from

Moody Bible College Ms.

Lucy Craft Laney gave Dr.

Bethune her first teaching

opportunity. From 1895-

1896 she taught 8th grade at

Haines Institute. It was

during this time that Ms.

Laney became a mentor to

Dr. Bethune as she

demonstrated fearless

leadership as the founder

and principal of the first

school for African Ameri-

cans in Augusta, Georgia.

Over the years the pair

would also work together

as members of the Nation-

al Association of Colored

Women. Dr. Bethune

believed that Ms. Laney's

work was groundbreaking

and she used it as a model

to create her own school

in 1904. Shortly after starting

her all girl's school Dr. Be-

thune sent her son Albert to

live with Ms. Laney to attend

Haines Institute.

We are grateful for the men-

torship and the leadership

provided by such an incredi-

ble pioneer. As a tribute to

Dr. Bethune and Ms. Laney

we’re currently in partnership

with the Lucy Craft Laney

Museum of Black History to

bring a Mary McLeod Bethu-

ne Heritage Trail into exist-

ence. We’re also implement-

ing Ms. Laney into the narra-

tive of our tours while the

Lucy Craft Laney Museum is

also telling the story of Dr.

Bethune’s tenure as a teacher

there in Augusta, Georgia.

We are pleased to have Ms.

Christine Miller-Betts, Execu-

By her own words and example, Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune demonstrated the value of education, a phi-

losophy of universal love, and the wise and consistent use of political power in striving for racial and gen-

der equality. Born the 15th of 17 children to parents who had been enslaved in America, she grew up

amidst the poverty and oppression of the Reconstruction South, yet rose to national and international

prominence as an educator, presidential advisor and political activist. Upon her death, columnist Louis E.

Martin said that Dr. Bethune, “gave out faith and hope as if they were pills and she was some sort of doc-

tor.”

July 10, 2014 marks the 139th Anniversary of the Birth of Dr. Bethune, and the Bethune Council House

has been busy planning for this year’s Birthday Commemoration, which is held each year at Lincoln Park,

in Washington D.C. This year

also marks the 40th Anniversary

of the erection of the Memorial

to Dr. Bethune in Lincoln Park.

Erected by the beloved organiza-

tion she established in 1935—the

National Council of Negro

Women Inc. (NCNW), the Be-

thune Memorial is situated at the

(continued on Page 4)

A Legacy of Mentorship and Partnership: Ms. Lucy Craft Laney and Dr. Mary

McLeod Bethune

I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Historical Hot Topic: A

Legacy of Mentorship

and Partnership

1

Greetings from the

Council House 1

Birthday Celebrations

Through the Years 2

Legend Keeper:

A Word From The

Curator

3

Greetings from the

Council House (cont’d) 4

Ms. Lucy Craft Laney

(cont’d) 5

What does the Legacy

of Dr. Bethune mean

to me?

Credits/Resources

6-7

8

G r e e t i n g s f r o m t h e C o u n c i l H o u s e

T H E H O M E O F D R . M A R Y M C L E O D B E T H U N E

The Legendary Retreat

Birthday Edition

Summer, 2014 Volume 1, Issue 4

B i r t h d a y C e l e b r a t i o n s t h r o u g h

t h e y e a r s

P a g e 2 T h e L e g e n d a r y R e t r e a t

`

McLeod Bethune! What a blessing! We also recently did our

first ad on the local radio station 99.1 to invite the community

to come take a tour and visit with us. Dr. Bethune wanted her

home to be a place of learning, a place where new ideas are

exchanged and open to everyone and that’s what we intend to

continue to do. Again, I solicit your prayers as we enter anoth-

er year and another time of celebration of our Founder’s spe-

cial day. I would like to personally say thanks to all who have

continuously supported the work of the home of Dr. Mary

McLeod Bethune.

Dr. Ashley “Legend Keeper” Robertson

L e g e n d K e e p e r : A W o r d

F r o m T h e C u r a t o r

P a g e 3

Greetings Bethunites:

One year ago (June 24, 2013), I became the Curator of

my SHEroes home and it has been a blessed year so

far. I couldn’t imagine not doing what I do. This spe-

cial edition of the newsletter marks the 139th birthday

of our wonderful founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.

In celebration of her birthday we have some very excit-

ing developments taking place. We are proud to an-

nounce the launching of the “Bethune Heritage Trail”

which marks Dr. Bethune’s birthplace in South Caroli-

na, her second home in Washington D.C., known as

the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House-National

Historic Site, her statue in Washington D.C., in the

historic Lincoln Park, the site of her first teaching job,

along with the Lucy Craft Laney Museum in Augusta,

Georgia, and her beloved home known as “The Re-

treat” here in Daytona Beach, Florida. In the upcom-

ing months visitors will be able to receive trail guides

marking each site, which will also include information

about the sites so they can take part in the full

“Bethune Experience.” This trail is part of a collabora-

tion with the District Manager of the Mary Bethune

Council House, Dr. Joy Kinard and Ms. Christine

Betts, the Executive Director of the Lucy Craft Laney

Museum of Black History. For the past few months we

have worked on the details of this trail and will also be

presenting at the Association of African American Mu-

seums Conference in Birmingham, Alabama (August,

2014) to share our partnership strategies with various

museum professionals. The Foundation will also be

hosting a “Front Porch Birthday Celebration” Thurs-

day, July 10, 2014 from 10:30 a.m. –2:00 p.m. with

food, arts and crafts and giveaways in honor of Dr. Be-

thune’s special day. We invite you to stop by for the

festivities and join in on the fun! I’m also proud to an-

nounce that last year we have had nearly 6700 visitors

to come in and learn about the life of Dr. Mary

Greetings (Continued from page 1)

East end of Lincoln Park and faces the United States Capitol. Designed by Robert Berks, the Boston born sculptor who was noted for his works

of Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., it is the only monument to a woman and the first to an

African American, in a public park in the nation’s capital. It is on an axis which includes monuments to Presidents Washington, Jefferson, Lin-

coln and Kennedy. This artery stretches from Lincoln Park to the Potomac River. The Bethune Memorial represents the many lasting contribu-

tions of African Americans to community, national and international life. It symbolizes the pride and heritage of a people whose struggle for

emancipation is documented in the statue of Abraham Lincoln with an unshackled slave at his feet. The Emancipation Group located at the

West end of Lincoln Park, was also turned 40 years ago so that it would face the Bethune Memorial. The Memorial depicts Dr. Bethune with

two young children. The profoundness of her philosophy of life was dramatically captured by Berks, who shows Dr. Bethune looking into the

distant future as she passes the legacy to the male child as the little girl shares a moment in time with them.

This year, we plan to bring history to life! Not only have we partnered with the NCNW and the D.C. Alumni Chapter of Bethune-Cookman

University, but Bethune-Cookman University President Dr. Edison O. Jackson will the Presiding Officer, Dr. Gail C. Christopher, Vice Presi-

dent for Program Strategy for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation will be the keynote speaker, and veteran actress Teirrah McNair who has performed

all over the world as the beloved “First Lady of Negro America,” will be bringing her one woman show, “Faithwalker: The Life and Times of Dr.

Mary McLeod Bethune,” to the celebration in Lincoln Park! Described by some as “nothing short of haunting,” Ms. McNair will provide guests

with an “unforgettable experience that moves and shakes her audience to the core.”

Without a doubt, this year’s celebration will be remembered for years to come! If you are ever in the nation’s capital, feel free to visit us at:

Page 4

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House, National Historic Site

1318 Vermont Avenue N.W. Washington D.C. 20005

Open seven days a week, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., (202) 673-2402

Website:: www.nps.gov/mamc Facebook: www.facebook.com

Twitter: @BethuneNHS Instagram: @bethunenhs

(Lucy Craft Laney continued)

Preserving The Legacy of Ms. Lucy Craft Laney at the Lucy Craft Laney

Museum of Black History

Lucy Craft Laney was born on April 13, 1854 in Macon, Georgia to Reverend David

and Louisa Laney. Rev. Laney was a noteworthy Presbyterian minister and carpen-

ter. His exceptional skills gave him the means to buy his freedom. Mr. Laney was

also able to buy his wife’s freedom, thus the Laney children were born free. Even

though they were free people, the Laney’s worked for slave owners—- the Campbell

family. Every day when Mrs. Laney went to work, she took little Lucy with her. The

slave owner’s sister noticed that Lucy raced to the library every day, and it was soon

obvious that she was a very bright girl, and she vowed that she would teach her every-

thing that she could. By the time Lucy was 4 years old, she could read and write. At

the age of 15, Lucy enrolled in the first class, which consisted of 4 students at Atlanta

University, in Atlanta, Georgia and graduated in 1873.

After Miss Laney completed her work, she went back home to Macon for a short

while. Then she went to Milledgeville, Georgia for a few years, then on to Savannah,

Georgia where she made notable achievements. However, later she went to Augusta,

Georgia for a brief time where she was approached by the Christ Presbyterian

Church to start a school for girls. While there, she noticed her health had improved

and decided to take the church’s offer.

The school opened on January 6, 1883 in the basement of Christ Presbyterian

Church. On the first day of school, four girls and two boys showed up. She soon

outgrew the basement and moved to a building on Calhoun Street, and at the end of

two years, her school had grown to 234 students. Laney was desperately in need of

more space.

With a one-way ticket provided by the alumni of Miss Laney’s school, she traveled

to Minnesota to attend a convention being held by the Christ Presbyterian Church.

She intended to request funding for her school. When she arrived at the convention,

she was so tired that she laid down on a bench and went to sleep. When called to

make her presentation, she brushed herself off, entered the room, and made an

eloquent plea for her children’s education. Even though funding was not offered,

they did give her a one-way ticket back to Augusta.

Shortly after her trip to Minnesota, Miss Laney received a letter from Mrs. Francine

Haines, President of the Women’s Department of the Presbyterian Church, USA

who had heard Miss Laney speak. She was so impressed with Miss Laney’s mission

that she gave her $10,000 to build a new school for her children in Augusta. When

the school was built and ready for classes to begin, Miss Laney named it the Haines

Normal and Industrial Institute. In 1886, the Haines Normal and Industrial Institute

was chartered by the state of Georgia and moved to its new location at 800 Gwinnett

Street. She started the first kindergarten for Black children in Augusta, and later

started the Lamar Nursing School for Black women in Augusta.

While creating educational opportunities for Blacks throughout the Central Savan-

nah River Area, she was very active in the community at large. Among the many

organizations that she helped to establish are the Augusta Chapter of the National

Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 1918, and was an active

participant in the Interracial Commission, The National Association of Colored

Women and the Niagara Movement. She was also involved in the integration of the

YMCA and YWCA. Mary McLeod Bethune came to work with Miss Laney one

year and was so inspired by her work that she later went to Florida and established

her own school. In addition, Mrs. Bethune became one of the most outstanding

educators and advisors to presidents and other notable dignitaries.

After a long and fruitful life, Miss Laney died in 1933. Thousands of people came to

pay their respects.

Page 5 Haines Normal and Industrial Institute was torn

down in 1949, and another school was built on that

site and it was named Lucy Craft Laney Comprehen-

sive High School in her honor. Her body was laid to

rest on the corner of the lawn.

Miss Laney earned many honors for her outstanding

work. Among them were many tributes from Presi-

dent Ware of Atlanta University, President of How-

ard University and many other colleges and universi-

ties. Gwinnett Street was also renamed in her honor

along with Rev. Charles T. Walker, and is known as

Laney-Walker Boulevard. In 1974, under Jimmy

Carter’s administration, an artist was commissioned

to paint her portrait which was unveiled and now

hangs in the Georgia State Capitol. Lastly, she was

inducted in the Women of Achievement of Georgia.

Mission

The mission of the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of

Black History is to promote the legacy of Lucy Craft

Laney through art, history and the preservation of her

home.

Programs

Historical Exhibitions, Lectures and Workshops

Art Exhibitions, Lectures and Workshops

Serve as a Venue for artists to exhibit their work

Children’s Academy

Health Initiative

Outreach Programs (adults and children)

Hours of Operation

9 am-5 pm Tuesday-Saturday

Open on Sunday for Special Events

Tour Schedule

9:30 am; 10:30 am; 11:30 am;

1:00 pm; 2:00 pm; 3:00 pm; 4:00 pm

1116 Phillips Sttreet Augusta, Georgia 30901

706-724-3576

What does the Legacy of Dr. Bethune mean to me?

It means an unwavering commitment to

your dreams. For there are many people that

are called to be difference makers but only

the committed succeed at doing so. As Dr.

Bethune did so, I too want my foot prints to

leave a dent in the universe that provokes a

change for everyone.

-Ms. Cassandra M. Abrams-

As an Afro-Guyanese woman and a first generation college stu-

dent; Dr. Bethune’s legacy has afforded me the opportunity and

luxury to be a role model for my siblings and invoke the passion

of learning in others. Her life has instilled in me the faith to pur-

sue my dreams and goals regardless of the circumstances and

storms life may throw my way. Dr. Bethune has ignited a passion

in me to serve the community and extend her legacy far beyond

this prestigious institution. Her strength and need to educate the

masses, especially African American students has allowed me to

devote my life to the education of high-risked and low income

students and families across the country.

-Miss Simonie A. Moore-

“I leave you Hope” and “I leave you a Thirst for Education”, are two of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s nine legacies in her last

Will and Testament. Through Dr. Bethune’s words and accomplishments, I am motivated to instill hope among my fellow peers,

while thirsting for more knowledge and education. Although I am faced everyday with criticism and negativity, I keep my head

up and remember Dr. Bethune along with my ancestors who sacrificed so much, working diligently towards a better and brighter

future of equality for All Nations, All Races, All Creeds and All Tongues. I am honored to be a student at the great institution of

learning known as Bethune-Cookman University founded by an extraordinary woman of knowledge, optimism and a dream,

leaving her legacy to benefit society.

-Mr. Tyrone Norwood-

Page 6

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune paved the way for African American

women to reach above and beyond their dreams and aspirations.

Now my daughter and son will have a place to gain an outstanding

education after high school.

-Ms. Atiya Towns-

The legacy of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune

can be summed up by a song written by

India Arie: “Strength, Courage and Wis-

dom”.

-Mrs. Linda Rowell-

Dr. Bethune’s legacy helps me to under-

stand that no matter who supports or denies

you access to your dreams, if you believe in

yourself nothing can stop by.

-Miss Shawana Watt

Dr. Bethune inspires in me great hope in what God can do with a willing heart and total surrender. Her example empowers me because a de-

termined woman with God on her side can change the world! She teaches me that respect is earned; it doesn’t matter what society, govern-

ments or anyone thinks of you when you walk confidently with faith, you can break down barriers, preconceptions, and prejudices. God’s

favor brings honor and reputation.

I ask myself constantly, if she could do so much with so little, then what can I do to leave the world a better place because I passed by?

-Ms. Cesarina Bello-Nurse-

Page 7

Dr. Bethune’s legacy to me brings forth hope, not only for the

African American race, but for people of all races, colors and

creeds. This legacy to me, is one that is inclusive, and one that is

progressive (meaning that forthcoming generations will be able

to partake in this legacy). With each generation, by God’s grace,

the legacy continues and it grows and progresses. The legacy has

by all means outgrown the fabric of time wherefore it is lasting,

limitless and hence, liberated in a realm of endless possibilities

for the future of all generations and leaders of our time and be-

yond.

-Mr. Elijah Stevens- Dr. Bethune’s legacy has permanently impressed

upon me an immense desire to inspire youth to

greatness through education. Her mission calls for

the propensity of all people despite our differences.

Thank you Dr. Bethune for being a visionary and

creating an avenue for where, four years ago I en-

tered to learn and now as I step out into the world,

ready to serve.

-Miss Jamilah Collins-

Dr. Bethune’s legacy is proof that the pres-

ence of Faith makes anything possible. Her

legacy means that the Significance of Living

will always be tied to what we can do for

others. And, finally, that God will continue

to do a work in our lives as long as we refuse

to become discouraged.

-Dr. Claudette McFadden-

Head, Heart and Hand are indeed three qualities that stand out when learning

about the life and legacy of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. Her profound life dedi-

cated to stepping out on faith to achieve her goals regardless of her obstacles

shows me that I am capable of doing the same, even when I am standing alone.

Dr. Bethune’s vision of sustaining a legacy of faith scholarship and service has

transformed my matriculation at Bethune-Cookman University because now I

truly understand how all three work together and the value that can be obtained.

To attend a university with such rich history whose founder’s legacy both charg-

es and challenges me, makes me eager to not walk the path of my founder, but

use the tools and the path she has paved to create something even better, a Be-

thune Woman.

-Ms. Gina Major-

Dr. Bethune’s legacy for me means I have an obligation to be

purposeful, faithful and accountable to my family whom I

represent and to the students and communities I serve. Her

legacy reminds me EVERYDAY that all things are possible.

-Mrs. Trellis Williams-

What does the Legacy of Dr. Bethune mean to me?

Page 8

Bethune-Cookman University is an institution filled with rich history and

beloved traditions. From it's beginnings as a school for young African

American girls to its university status, B-CU prides itself with the commit-

ment to academic excellence and community service.

Founded by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune in 1904, Bethune-Cookman Uni-

versity is an historically Black, United Methodist church related university

offering Baccalaureate and Master’s degrees. The mission is to serve in the

Christian tradition, the diverse educational, social and cultural needs of the

students, and to develop in them the desire and capacity for continuous

intellectual and professional growth, leadership and service to others. The

university has deep roots in the history of America, and continues to pro-

vide services to the broader community through a focus on service learning

and civic engagement.

Thank you to the following contributing writers for their submissions in

our Birthday Edition Newsletter:

Greetings: Mr. John T. Fowler II, M.A., Park Guide and Volunteer Coordi-

nator at the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House, National Historic Site.

Historical Hot Topic: Ms. Christine Miller-Betts, Executive Director, Lucy

Craft Laney Museum of Black History, Augusta, Georgia

Legacy Page: Dr. Claudette McFadden, Shawana Watt, Gina Major,

Jamillah Collins,Atiya Towns, Elijah P. Stevens, Cesarina Bello-Nurse,

Trellis Williams, Linda Roswell, Simonie Moore , Cassandra Abrams and

Tyrone Norwood

Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation Newsletter

Dr. Ashley Robertson, Curator/Director/ Newsletter Editor

Ms. Dawn Gross, Assistant to the Curator/Co-Editor/Design Production

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Friday 10a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays by appointment

386-481-2121/2122

mmbfoundation@cookman.edu

Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/mmbretreat

Enter To Learn, Depart To Serve

Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation

640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd.

Daytona Beach, Florida 32114