Artworks in the Collection of the National Park Service Codexery

Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial

First statue on public land in D.C. honoring an African American and a woman.

The statue depicts an elderly Bethune handing a scroll to two young Black children, leaning on a cane that belonged to Franklin D. Roosevelt, given to her by Eleanor Roosevelt. It was unveiled on July 10, 1974, the anniversary of her 99th birthday, before over 18,000 people. Funds were raised by the National Council of Negro Women, which Bethune founded in 1935.

Quick Facts

Artist
Robert Berks
City
Washington, D.C.
Owner
National Park Service

Facts from the source article.

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