“We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends.” —Mary McLeod Bethune
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we encourage you to read First Ladies by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray. This historical fiction novel portrays the extraordinary friendship and partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune, a distinguished civil rights activist. Their friendship was frequently criticized and all but forbidden, yet each left an indelible mark on furthering women’s equality.
Dr. Bethune, a pioneering educator and co-founder of Bethune-Cookman College, established standards for today’s Black colleges and served as an advisor to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Often considered the “First Lady of the Struggle,” due to her commitment to improving the lives of African Americans, she was appointed by President Harry S. Truman as the only woman of color at the founding conference of the United Nations in 1945. She also was appointed as a national advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, whom she worked with to create the Federal Council on Colored Affairs, also known as the Black Cabinet.
As First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt transformed the role. She influenced her husband Franklin in many ways; she educated him about the horrifying realities faced by people of color, which resulted in key changes in minority representation in government agencies. She was also the first president’s spouse to hold her own press conference. She wanted to provide equal time for women to be heard and recognized. In fact, since women were traditionally barred from presidential press conferences, Mrs. Roosevelt allowed only female reporters to attend. In 1935, she introduced her daily syndicated column, “My Day,” which informed others as she advocated for the rights and needs of minorities, the poor and the disadvantaged. Her many accomplishments included raising five children, chairing the Commission on Human Rights, and serving as a United Nations delegate and diplomat.
Each week of Women’s History Month, in our various social media platforms, we will highlight the contributions of women who may be unfamiliar to you. Follow us on social, so you don’t miss out:
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Kittie W. Watson, Ph.D.
President and Founder
kittiew@innolectinc.com