Bethune was a strong advocate for education and women's rights, playing a key role in advising U.S. presidents on African American issues. She served as an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and was instrumental in forming the National Council of Negro Women in 1935, fostering leadership and social justice initiatives. Bethune's legacy is one of empowerment through education and civic engagement.

I noticed this quote cast in bronze around the base of the Mary McLeod Bethune statue in the park outside my house. The words themselves as well as the way some of the letterforms were uniquely nestled in the type caught my eye…

I Leave You Love

I Leave You Hope

I Leave You the Challenge of Developing Confidence in One Another

I Leave You a Thirst for Education

I Leave You A Respect for the Use of Power

I Leave You also a Desire to
Live Harmoniously with Your Fellow Man

I Leave You Faith

I Leave You Racial Dignity

I Leave You Finally a Responsibility to Our Young People

—Mary McLeod Bethune