Mary McLeod Bethune is known by many titles: Founder of Bethune-Cookman, Educator, Humanitarian, Activist, Philanthropist, and Visionary. Yet, one of her most remarkable and often overlooked achievements is her role as a Preservationist of History.
As an alumnus of Bethune-Cookman, whose own career found its roots in her home, I was immersed in the legacy of Mrs. Bethune. However, it was only years later that I truly grasped the depth of her work in historical preservation. Any student who ever walked past the iconic “White House” next to the library likely heard numerous myths and misconceptions about her home. But beyond the theories lies an undeniable truth: this extraordinary woman, born to enslaved parents, became one of the most influential figures in American history—her legacy carefully preserved in every endeavor she touched.
Recently, through research and conversations with Bethune scholars and Black women’s historians, I have delved deeper into her deliberate efforts to safeguard history. She did not just make history; she ensured it would be remembered. But how did she accomplish this
1. The National Association of Colored Women The Frederick Douglass Home
Founded in 1896, the National Association of Colored Women (NACW) was established to promote the social mobility of Black people, later focusing on the unique challenges faced by Black women. With the motto “Lifting as We Climb” the NACW emphasized education, activism, and community service. Bethune, serving as the organization’s eighth president from 1924 to 1928, played a crucial role in preserving the Frederick Douglass Home in Washington, D.C.
At the time, financial difficulties threatened the upkeep of Douglass’s home. NACW raised over $5,000 (equivalent to over $100,000 today) in just two years to pay off the mortgage. Bethune championed the preservation of the home, overseeing its maintenance and appointing a caretaker to ensure that Douglass’s legacy remained intact for future generations.
2. National Archives of Black Women’s History
In 1935, Bethune founded the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) with the mission to disseminate information “for, by, and about Negro women.” Understanding the importance of documenting and preserving Black women’s contributions, she established an Archives Committee within the NCNW. This committee laid the groundwork for what would become the National Archives for Black Women’s History—still the only archive solely dedicated to preserving Black women’s historical records. Thanks to Bethune’s foresight, the National Park Service continues to maintain this invaluable resource.
3. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH)
ASALH, founded in 1915 by Carter G. Woodson, sought to advance the study of Black history. Bethune became the organization’s first female president, serving from 1936 to 1952—the longest tenure of any president. She has been described as bringing prestige and money to ASALH. Historian Bettye Collier-Thomas affirms Bethune’s impact, noting that she spread the study of Black history through her speeches and writings. Dr. Pero Gaglo Dagbovie, Vice Provost & Dean of the Graduate School at Michigan State University, further highlights her belief that Black children must be armed with knowledge of their “glorious” past and “marvelous achievement.”
4. The Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation
In 1953, Bethune formally established her home as the Mary McLeod Bethune Foundation. In an article dated April 11, 1953, she expressed her vision: this “precious spot” should not be selfishly passed down to her son and grandchildren but instead serve as a source of inspiration for those striving to achieve greatness. The Foundation was organized with a board of trustees and benefited from the generosity of numerous donors.
Despite financial challenges following her death in 1955, her legacy endured. According to Dr. Sheila Flemming, author of The Answered Prayer to a Dream, Bethune’s adopted son, Edward Rodriguez, initially led the foundation as Executive Director. However, by 1958, the home and its contents became the responsibility of Bethune-Cookman College, ensuring its continued preservation.
Photo Credit: Bethune-Cookman University Archives
A Personal Journey in Historic Preservation
After completing my studies at Bethune-Cookman, I pursued a law degree. Three terms and $50,000 in debt later, I returned to my true passion: history and historic homes and departing law school. That passion was ignited the moment I first set foot on Bethune’s porch in 1995. In 2021, I published Florida’s Historic African American Homes, the first book dedicated to Black historic homes throughout Florida. As a tribute to Bethune, I selected one of the most distinctive photos of her and her home for the cover.
Having spent countless hours in her home, I finally had the moment to honor her legacy—not just by admiring her work, but by continuing it. I humbly believe that I am a product of what she set out to do: inspire to achieve greatness. Bethune instilled in me an enduring commitment to history, resilience, perseverance, and the power of knowledge.
Mary McLeod Bethune was everything history remembers her to be, but she was also a preservationist of history. Every move she made was a strategic effort to ensure that Black history, particularly the history of Black women, would not only be celebrated but safeguarded for generations to come.
Jada Wright-Greene is a passionate and dynamic champion of Black history, blending her roles as the Black museum activist, public historian, writer, and museum consultant. With a deep commitment to preserving and sharing the powerful stories of Black history she is the author of Florida’s African American Homes, a groundbreaking book by Arcadia Publishing. This work is the first of its kind, shedding light on historic homes once owned by Black Floridians, many of which played pivotal roles in shaping the state’s history.
Raised in the city of Jacksonville, Florida, Jada’s educational journey spans prestigious institutions, including Bethune-Cookman University, Michigan State University, Johns Hopkins University, and Jackson State University. While all of her degrees are accomplishments to be proud of, it is the one she earned from Bethune-Cookman that resonates most deeply with her—a reflection of her unwavering love for historically Black colleges and universities.
Jada is currently breaking new ground as the Executive Director of Manasota ASALH, the largest branch of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Her appointment as the first-ever Executive Director in the branch’s history and the second in the organization’s history since 1915, speaks to her exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to advancing the study and preservation of Black history.
