Community celebrates 151st birthday anniversary of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune

MAYESVILLE - The place where a great legacy began came alive with pride, remembrance and celebration on July 10, 2026, as the community gathered at Mary McLeod Bethune Birthplace & Memorial Park Inc. to celebrate the 151st birthday of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune.

Hosted by the Board of Directors of the park, the celebration was held under the powerful theme "Rooted in Heritage, Rising in Greatness." The occasion honored the remarkable life of a daughter of Mayesville whose vision, courage and determination carried her from humble beginnings to a place of national and international prominence.

At six o'clock in the evening, guests gathered to remember and celebrate the life of Bethune - an educator, humanitarian, civil rights leader, women's rights advocate and visionary whose life opened doors of opportunity for countless others.

The evening's keynote speaker, the Rev. Traves Reames, pastor of New Bethel AME Church in Bishopville, challenged those in attendance to reflect on the power of Bethune's example and the responsibility of today's generation to preserve and build upon the legacy she left behind. Also, Reames is an educator currently employed in Sumter School District.

Serving as a special guest and hostess was Caroline Mack Hill, former Miss Black USA, owner and artistic director of Caroline Mack Center for the Arts in Sumter, who brought elegance and inspiration to the celebration. She also delighted guests with a special solo, adding a memorable musical tribute to the evening.

Reames and Mack-Hill are native Lee Countians.

A moving tribute to Bethune was presented by Brenda Martin, program coordinator, honoring the extraordinary accomplishments of a woman whose life's mission was rooted in faith, education, service, leadership and the belief that every person deserves an opportunity to succeed.

The theme "Rooted in Heritage, Rising in Greatness" carried a special meaning as the celebration took place at the very place where Bethune's story began. Born in Mayesville in 1875, she grew from a child of humble beginnings into an educator whose influence reached the White House and extended across the nation.

The celebration concluded with a spirit of fellowship as guests gathered for dinner. The room filled with voices as attendees joined in singing the birthday song in honor of Bethune. The evening ended on a sweet note with the serving of birthday cake, marking 151 years since the birth of a woman whose life continues to inspire the world.

For the community, the celebration was more than a birthday observance. It was a remembrance.

As efforts continue to preserve Mary McLeod Bethune Birthplace & Memorial Park Inc. as a place of history, education, inspiration and tourism, the message of celebration remains clear.

We honor where we come from. We celebrate who we are. And we carry the legacy forward. Bethune's journey began in Mayesville - but her legacy belongs to generations yet to come.

The Board of Directors would like to thank the community for its support of this celebration. For information about park rentals or tours of the replica of Bethune's birthplace, contact E. Bradley at (803) 486-0314, A. Blakney at (843) 309-6863, M. Bryant at (803) 486-5126 or M. Collins at (803) 427-4871.