It’s the 50th Anniversary of the the unveiling and dedication of the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial in Lincoln Park (11th Street at East Capitol) and the 149th anniversary of the birth of Bethune. It was the first monument to honor a Black woman in a public park in the District.
The re-dedication ceremony begins Saturday, July 13 at 3:30 p.m. in Lincoln Park.
Every year, the National Park Service (NPS) honors Mary McLeod Bethune throuhg events held on or around her birthday. Bethune—educator, civil rights activist, presidential advisor, public servant, and champion of women’s rights—was born on July 10, 1875 in Mayesville, South Carolina.
In 1974, on what would have been her 99th birthday, the memorial in her honor was unveiled in Lincoln Park in Washington, DC by the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), which she founded in 1935
This year the NPS partners with NCNW and and Bethune-Cookman University for the celebrations at Lincoln Park.
After the Memorial re-dedication, park ranger-led tours, exhibits, hands-on activities and more programs to follow.
Re-dedication Ceremony – 3:30 p.m.
According to NPS, the re-dedication Ceremony will closely follow the program at the original 1974 dedication. There will be remarks by leaders of the US Department of Interior and NCNW, ra eading of Bethune’s Last Will and Testament by students from the Washington School for Girls, performances by the “President’s Own” Marine Band and the Bethune-Cookman University Choir and a grand unveiling and rededication of the memorial.
Concert by DC Strings Workshop – 5:00 p.m.
DC Strings Workshop builds community and expands horizons by engaging diverse audiences and works to expose students and adults to music of women and underrepresented people of color. They will perform after the ceremony.
“Meet Mrs. Bethune” – 6:00 p.m. as performed by Actor Leslie Jones
Known for her oratory skills, Mary McLeod Bethune championed the rights of African Americans and women both in America and abroad. Jones’ presentation will highlight key moments of Mrs. Bethune’s life, selected excerpts from her most famous speeches, and a lively question and answer period with the audience.
Music by the Tribe Band – 7:00 p.m.
After Mrs. Bethune greets the crowd, The Tribe Band will play among their repertoire of Motown, Gospel, Smooth Jazz, and Funk.
In addition to the evening performances, there will be ranger tours, organizations tabling, hands-on activities, food trucks, and an area called “Legacy Lane” where visitors can learn more about Mary McLeod Bethune, the National Council of Negro Women, Bethune’s statue, and the historic 1974 memorial unveiling event in Lincoln Park. The event will also feature a special commemorative NPS “port to Your National Parks” stamp and a Bethune Birthday Junior Ranger Badge.
For the history of the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial, click here. NPS also maintains the Mary McLeod Bethune Council House in Logan Circle.
