Why was bethune-cookman started?

Answer 1

Mary McLeod Bethune felt the local negro young ladies needed a special institution to be educated. The general purpose was to insure a fruitful future in a world closed to blacks.

So in a church meeting at Allen AME one evening she appealed to local black businessmen.

John Henry Williams ( 1871- 1944) a prosperous carpenter from Bucks Horry, SC. and his wife

Alice Smith Williams (1879-1968) were newlyweds when they assisted

Mrs. Mary McLeod Bethune ( 1875-1955) in establishing the renowned Bethune Cookman College

here in Daytona Beach.

Due to an initial lack of space, yet a burning in her heart, Mrs. Williams held

the first classes in her own vast mansion.

Thus history would forever give credit

to the Williamses for starting Bethune Cookeman College.