Statue of Mary McLeod Bethune (U.S. Capitol) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mary McLeod Bethune |
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| Artist | Nilda M. Comas |
| Year | 2022 |
| Medium | Marble sculpture |
| Subject | Mary McLeod Bethune |
| Dimensions | (11 feet (including pedestal) in) |
| Weight | 6,129 lbs |
| Location | Washington, D.C., United States |
Mary McLeod Bethune was an amazing American leader who worked hard for civil rights and women's rights. She believed everyone should have equal chances, no matter their race or gender. On July 13, 2022, a special statue honoring her was put in the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.. This statue represents the state of Florida in a place called the National Statuary Hall Collection. It's a very important moment because she is the first Black American to have a statue in this collection.
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Who Was Mary McLeod Bethune?
Mary McLeod Bethune was born in 1875 in South Carolina. Her parents were formerly enslaved people. She was the first in her family to go to school. Mary loved learning and wanted to help others get an education too. She became a teacher and later a college president.
A Champion for Education
Mary McLeod Bethune started a school for Black girls in Florida in 1904. It was called the Daytona Literary and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls. She started with only five students and $1.50. This school later became the Bethune-Cookman University. It is still a very important university today.
Fighting for Rights
Mary McLeod Bethune was also a strong voice for civil rights. She worked with presidents and advised them on important issues. She helped create the National Council of Negro Women. This group worked to improve the lives of Black women and their families. Her work helped many people gain more opportunities and respect.
The Bethune Statue in the Capitol
The statue of Mary McLeod Bethune stands tall in the United States Capitol. This building is where the U.S. Congress meets to make laws. The statue is part of the National Statuary Hall Collection. Each state can choose two important people from its history to represent them with a statue.
A Special Place for Heroes
The National Statuary Hall Collection is like a museum of American heroes. It honors people who have made a big difference in the country. Having Mary McLeod Bethune's statue there shows how important her work was. It also shows how far the country has come in recognizing all its heroes.
How the Statue Was Made
The statue is made from beautiful Italian Carrara marble. This is a very famous type of white marble. A talented artist named Nilda M. Comas carved the statue. She created it in Pietrasanta, Italy. The statue is 11 feet tall, including its base. It weighs over 6,000 pounds!
Replacing a Previous Statue
Mary McLeod Bethune's statue replaced an older one. The previous statue represented Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith. He was a general during the American Civil War. Florida decided to replace his statue with Mary McLeod Bethune's. This change shows a shift in who the state chooses to honor in the Capitol. It highlights a person who worked for unity and equality.
