The Statue That Taught Me About the Power of Black Women and Democracy.

The article focuses on the author's emotional experience upon seeing the newly unveiled statue of Mary McLeod Bethune, an influential American educator and humanitarian, in Daytona Beach during the COVID-19 pandemic. The statue, crafted from rare marble, symbolizes Bethune's significant contributions to federal policy and the lives of Black citizens, as well as her legacy as a leader who advocated for child welfare and civil rights. The author reflects on the grassroots efforts that led to Bethune being chosen to represent Florida in the U.S. Capitol's Statuary Hall, displacing a Confederate general, and shares insights into Bethune's vision of a harmonious society, likening people to flowers in a "people garden." The visit serves as a poignant reminder of Bethune's impact and the importance of representation. [Extracted from the article]