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A photograph of Mary McLeod Bethune in the President’s Office Second floor exhibit

A black and white photograph of Mary McLeod Bethune

From the president's office, Mary McLeod Bethune coordinated activist groups with shared interests and goals. African American women's sororities as well as church groups, businesses, and sororal organizations were united under a common banner. Mrs. Bethune's courageous work increased the ranks of the NCNW to over 850,000 members. As a key creator of Roosevelt's "Black Cabinet," Mary McLeod Bethune championed African American Women's inclusion in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (later Women's Army corps). Her fundraising efforts led to the construction of the Liberty ship, SS Harriet Tubman. The 1940s, a decade dominated by World War II, felt the power and influence of African American women due to Mrs. Bethune's tireless efforts. Future NCNW presidents followed Mrs. Bethune's example, championing civil rights, women's rights, and social change: D. Dorothy Boulding Ferbee, President 1949-1953, promoted healthcare education and challenged discrimination against African American women in the military, housing, employment, and voting through educational and legislative initiatives. Throughout her presidency, she maintained her practice as an obstetrician and as the Medical Director of Health Services at Howard University. Vivian Carter Mason, President 1953-1957, opened membership categories to expand the NCNW, amended the NCNW constitution to create unified policies across all chapters, emphasized interracial coalition building, and supported grassroots efforts to bring about racial justice. D. Dorothy I. Height, President 1957-1998, Organized voter registration in the South, voter education in the North, scholarship programs, vocational training, and African American women owned small business support. In 1989, Dr. Height established the National Black Family Reunion, and annual cultural event that brings focus and attention to the historic strengths and values of African American families. Led NCNW to purchase its new national headquarters building at 633 Pennsylvania Ave, NW, Washington, D.C.

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NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

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Image

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site, Code: MAMC

Mary McLeod Bethune Council House National Historic Site, District of Columbia , District of Columbia
Latitude: 38.9081993103027, Longitude: -77.0309982299805

NPS.gov Collection

05/09/2024

05/09/2024

Public Can View

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

NPS / Kelsey Graczyk

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 3:25:55 PM

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 4:23:09 PM

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