L.A. Public Library: 366 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90020 (click to view)
Dr. Bethune (1785-1955) was one of the most influential African American women in United States history. She was born in South Carolina and was the first member of her family born free. She established a school for young black women that later became Bethune-Cookman college. She also founded and served as president of the National Council of Negro Women. The mural hangs on the center wall of the library's reading room area. Its theme is education and learning. Dr. Bethune is in the middle, surrounded by a small family. To her left, a father is strumming a guitar, which is meant to represent Bethune's lifelong love of music. To her right, sits a mother, and below a young child is reading. The text of her "Last Will and Testament", a poem of ethnic pride and self-respect, appears in the background. Photo: © Robin Dunitz