FAMOUS PUBLIC FIGURES: MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE & SHIRLEY CHISHOLM MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE: Follow her illustrious path from the cotton fields of the South to renowned public figure in education. SHIRLEY CHISHOLM: Her legacy of political and social activism laid the foundation for the rise of women and Blacks in American politics. MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE (1875-1955) was born the 15th of 17 children to former slaves in South Carolina. This inspiring program follows her illustrious path from the cotton fields of the South to renowned African American educator, leader of women, distinguished adviser to several American presidents including Franklin D. Roosevelt, close friend of Eleanor Roosevelt and champion of racial equality. Her many achievements are a testament to the power of education and its importance in the African American community. Mary McLeod Bethune understood the importance of education for all people. In an era when most African American children received little or no...