Becker’s Yolanda Cash Jackson had the opportunity to discuss what she called the “lobbyists dream” of getting the legislation passed in Florida to have a statue of Mary McLeod Bethune represent the state in Statuary Hall in the nation’s capitol. Bethune, an advisor to five presidents and the founder of what would become Bethune-Cookman University, is the first African American woman to have her likeness in the historic hall, where each state has two statues of significant individuals. In an interview on the From Florida podcast with host Nicci Brown, Yolanda discussed the emotional victory, as well as some the work that was involved in getting the statue up. After a brief interview with historian Paul Ortiz, Yolanda and host Nicci Brown talked about the following:
- The lobbying and fundraising that was required.
- Getting funds to hire the sculptor.
- The voting process to get the statue approved.
- The symbolic elements in the statue.
- The moment when the legislation passed.
To listen to the episode, click here.