Mary McLeod Bethune Statue Makes History at U.S. Capitol

A new statue honoring educator and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune has been unveiled in the U.S. Capitol's Statuary Hall, marking a significant moment as she becomes the first African American to be represented in the prestigious collection. The 11-foot marble statue, sculpted by Nilda Comas, replaces that of a Confederate general, symbolizing a shift towards greater inclusivity and recognition of pivotal figures in American history.

Key Takeaways

• Mary McLeod Bethune is the first African American to be honored with a statue in the U.S. Capitol's Statuary Hall.
• The statue was sculpted by Nilda Comas, the first artist of Puerto Rican descent commissioned for the National Statuary Hall Collection.
• Bethune's statue replaces that of Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith, representing Florida.
• The statue is crafted from Italian Carrara marble and features symbolic elements like a black marble rose and a walking stick once owned by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

A Monumental Achievement

The unveiling of Mary McLeod Bethune's statue in the U.S. Capitol is a landmark event, recognizing her profound impact on education, civil rights, and national policy. Born to formerly enslaved parents, Bethune rose to become a formidable educator, founding the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute for Negro Girls, which eventually evolved into Bethune-Cookman University. Her influence extended to the highest levels of government, serving as an advisor to four U.S. presidents and playing a key role in the founding conference of the United Nations.

Symbolism in Stone

Sculptor Nilda Comas has meticulously crafted the 11-foot, 6,129-pound statue from Italian Carrara marble, the same quarry Michelangelo used for his David. The statue depicts a dignified Bethune, adorned in academic regalia, holding a walking stick and a black marble rose. The rose symbolizes her vision of interracial brotherhood and her belief in the beauty of diversity, a concept she often shared with her students, whom she affectionately called "black roses." The walking stick was a gift from Eleanor Roosevelt, a close friend and confidante of Bethune, and represents her significant role in President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration and her leadership of the "Black Cabinet."

A Legacy of Empowerment

Bethune's statue stands as a testament to her lifelong dedication to empowering African Americans through education and advocacy. Her inscription on the pedestal, "Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough," encapsulates her unwavering belief in human potential. The inclusion of books at her feet, inscribed with values like "Love," "Education," "Faith," and "Courage," further highlights the core principles that guided her remarkable life and work. The statue's placement in the Capitol signifies a broader acknowledgment of her contributions to the nation's history and a step towards a more representative historical narrative.

A New Chapter for Florida

As one of the two statues representing Florida in the National Statuary Hall Collection, Bethune's likeness now stands in place of Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith. This change is seen as a fitting tribute to Bethune's legacy of fighting against injustice and division. The creation of the statue was a grassroots effort, underscoring the widespread recognition of Bethune's significance. A bronze version of the statue will also be displayed in Daytona Beach, Florida, near Bethune-Cookman University, ensuring her legacy is honored both nationally and locally.

Sources

• The Statue That Taught Me About the Power of Black Women, Time Magazine.
• Mary McLeod Bethune, U.S. Capitol for Florida, Architect of the Capitol (.gov).
• A statue honoring Mary McLeod Bethune is unveiled at the U.S. capitol : NPR, NPR.