Mary McLeod Bethune: Her Life and Legacy

Nancy Ann Zrinyi Long

BookMiddle SchoolTeacher

About

Born in 1873 as the first free child in a family of former slaves, Mary McLeod Bethune would become an adviser to American presidents, an important civil rights leader, and founder of what is now Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida. Through the recollections of Mary McLeod Bethune and those closest to her, Nancy Ann Zrinyi Long has created an engaging biography of an influential and inspirational educator and activist.

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Why it’s great

Celebrating strength, service, and vision, this biography captures the extraordinary life of Mary McLeod Bethune—an educator and leader who devoted herself to empowering others. Through rich storytelling and historical insight, readers see how her faith, determination, and love of learning built a legacy that continues to uplift generations. It’s a stirring portrait of courage and purpose in action.