The Pride of Florida

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Statuary Project

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Education

Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune

“Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it might be a diamond in the rough.”

Mary McLeod Bethune was born on a farm near Mayesville, South Carolina, in 1875, the fifteenth child of former slaves. She rose from those humble beginnings to become a world-renowned educator, civil rights and human rights leader, champion for women and young people, and advisor to five U.S. presidents.

The Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Statuary Project is a proud moment for the entire state of Florida and our nation.

Learn more about Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune The Pride of Florida

Sculpture Symbolism

Elements of The Statue

Master sculptor, Nilda Comas, secured the largest (and last) piece of statuary marble from the Italian Alps and the quarries above Pietrasanta, Italy. The block of statuario marble was carved from Michelangelo’s cave and weighed 11,500 tons. According to the artist, statuario marble is the finest marble in the world.

At the base of the pedestal, along with the prominent, capitalized letters of her home state, her name, and the dates of her birth and death, there will be an inscription memorializing one of Dr. Bethune’s most famous quotes – “Invest in the human soul. Who knows, it may be a diamond in the rough.”

Dimensions

Sculpture: 8'4" x 3'5" x 4'
Base: 2'7½" x 3' x 3'
Total: 11'
Weight: 6,129lb

Cap & Gown

Dr. Bethune has been fashioned in a stately cap and gown symbolizing her lifelong commitment to education.

Black Rose

The black rose symbolizes her belief that “loving thy neighbor” means interracial, inter-religious and international brotherhood and her facial expression captures her determined yet gentle demeanor. Although there is no species of flower called a “black rose,” Dr. Bethune was captivated by beauty of a rose with a particular dark hue. These dark roses instantly became her favorite. She thereafter referred to her pupils as her “black roses.”

Walking Stick

Bethune collected walking sticks believing them to symbolize refinement and leadership. The walking stick is in the likeness of the gift from President Franklin Roosevelt presented to Dr. Bethune during her lifetime. It signifies the relationship she cultivated with President Roosevelt, the profound respect she engendered on the national stage and her commitment to advancing opportunities for African Americans and women.

Stacked Books

Used for balance of the weight of the marble statue, the stack of books, each sculpted with a different tenant of her last will and testament, speak to her core values and represent her unwavering dedication to the progression of education for African Americans and women. The top cover will have engraved with “I Leave You,” which mimics the cadence in her Last Will and Testament. Each book spine will carry the important words from her Last Will and Testament - “love,” ”hope,” ”faith,” “racial dignity,” “a thirst for education,” “courage” and ”peace.”

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