Skip to Content

Mary McLeod Bethune and the National Council of Negro Women

Photograph of Mary McLeod Bethune in front of the U.S. Capitol

Mary McLeod Bethune: A Force for Change

America can be changed. It will be changed.

Mary McLeod Bethune

Negroes have begun a persistent knocking at the doors of educational services and institutions of all kinds—a knocking that will not cease until every door is open.

Mary McLeod Bethune, Message to the American Teachers Association

Help me draw fast the sisterly cords of love, the RACIAL cords that are bigger than our state organizations, our sectional organizations and even our own glorious National; for, as a RACE we must reach the topmost round of success, where we shall meet all other peoples on common ground.

Mary McLeod Bethune, NACW President’s Greetings, 1925

We have fought for America with all her imperfections, not so much for what she is, but for what we know she can be.

Mary McLeod Bethune, 1939

The Freedom Gates are half-ajar. We must pry them fully open.

Mary McLeod Bethune, “My Last Will and Testament”, 1955