The history of Bethune Cookman University is centered on faith, hard work and commitment. On October 3, 1904,, Mary McLeod Bethune, opened the Daytona Literary and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls with $1.50 and a ton of determination and fortitude.
Today, the school has thousands of alumni throughout the country, but perhaps no stronger chapter than theDuval/Nassau County National Alumni Chapter. Recently, the chapter hosted its 9th Annual Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Community Leadership Breakfast at the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in North Jacksonville. The theme for this year’s event was, “Looking toward the future while leaving a legacy of service.”
The keynote speaker was community leader and former school board member, Mrs. Betty S. Burney.
She inspired the crowd with encouraging words and thoughts to motivate everyone to give back and do better. She reminded us to help one another because it truly “Takes a Village” to support our students and inspire them to be great.
The emcee for the event was comedian and owner of the new “Sk8 City” in Arlington, Terry T Harris. There were over 100 participants, which included various vendors
The 2019 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Community Leaders Awards recipients were announced by categories: Education; Mr. Lawrence M. Hills – 5000 Role Models of Excellence, Sports; Mrs. Angela Holmes Harris, Performing Arts; Ms. Leah Rainey and Community; Mr. Leofric Thomas. Jr.
Darrell Brown the president of the chapter, and Regina Morris the Breakfast chair awarded two special awards; Media, which was presented to Benjamin Simmons III and Alumni of the Year, was presented to Renee Surcey.
Shown l-r are awardees: Benjamin Simmons, President Darrell Brown, Leofric Thomas,Jr, Angela Holmes-Harris, Leah Rainey and Lawrence Hill
