B-CU Oral History Collection

The Untold Story

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the BCU Oral History Collection which documents the history of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune and the school she founded in 1904. Information related to our founder, BCU history, Urban Renewal in Daytona Beach, BCU students’ family histories; politics and government; and social and community history of the African Diaspora comes from carefully researched interviews and interpretative historical materials for public dissemination.

The BCU Oral History Collection represents the work of hundreds of BCU students and interviewees. Since 2001, students in the College of Liberal Arts courses, specifically Oral History and African American History, have continuously studied the vision and impact of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune as well as the rich history of Bethune Cookman University and blacks in Florida.

The voices and stories in the BCU Oral History Collection document some of the vision, impact, and history of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Students in African American History classes created portfolios of interviews with elders. Students in Oral History classes interviewed BCU individuals with long relationships with the school - many who knew Mrs. Bethune personally. Local veterans as part of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project contributed personal stories from WWII, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War and the War on Terror.

The BCU Oral History Collection webpage is under construction. We thank you for your patience as we roll out more features over time, highlighting individuals with connections to the Bethune Cookman University and community. All of the oral history projects are ongoing and we welcome suggestions, comments and especially leads about individuals to interview.

Background and Acknowledgements

The Bethune Cookman Oral History Collection would like to thank the hundreds of students who participated in collecting interviews of their family elders as well as campus and community individuals. Interviewees have graciously participated and relayed unforgettable history and life lessons. Since its inception in 2001 the BCU Oral History Collection has connected with members of the campus family, and, benefited from their advice. Many of the early interviewees have passed away and we cherish the opportunity to have learned from them.

Thanks to the National Museum African American of History & Culture, and Robert Frederick Smith Fund Interns, Grace Gardziella, Caleb Ebner, Maurice Hendricks, Clarissa West-White, Lanai Huddleston, Gabrielle Clavo whose creative talents, dedication and skills have been indispensable in creatively preparing the collection for public dissemination. Thanks also to the College of Liberal Arts, the Bethune Cookman Archives and the Volusia County Library for unstinting cooperation with the BCU Oral History Collection.