Mary McLeod Bethune in the Sunshine State

At the turn of the 20th century, Mary McLeod Bethune arrived in Daytona Beach with $1.50, looking to start a school. She overcame institutionalized racism, Ku Klux Klan threats and the ills of segregation to establish what is now Bethune-Cookman University, changing the course of Florida history with relentless faith and dedication to equality. Dr. Ashley Preston teaches in the African American Studies Program at the University of Florida. She is also the author of three books and her research interests include: African American women’s involvement during World War II, the activism of Mary McLeod Bethune and the Black club women’s movement. This event is funded by Florida Humanities’ Florida Talks program in partnership with the Pinellas County African American History Museum.