Mary McLeod Bethune was an influential African American educator and civil rights leader born on July 10, 1875, in South Carolina. She founded the Bethune-Cookman University in Florida, which became a significant institution for higher education for African Americans. Bethune dedicated her life to improving educational opportunities and advocating for the rights of African Americans. In addition to her work in education, Bethune was a prominent figure in the National Council of Negro Women and served as an advisor to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She focused on issues such as racial equality and women's rights, leaving a lasting legacy in American history.