{"title":"Bethune-Cookman","description":"\u003ch2\u003e🐾 Founded by One of the Most Influential Women in American History\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBethune-Cookman University was founded in \u003cstrong\u003e1904\u003c\/strong\u003e by the legendary educator, civil rights leader, and presidential advisor \u003cstrong\u003eDr. Mary McLeod Bethune\u003c\/strong\u003e. She opened the school in Daytona Beach with just \u003cstrong\u003e$1.50, faith, and five young girls\u003c\/strong\u003e. Today, she is recognized as one of the most important figures in American education and Black history. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e🐾 The University Motto Is One of the Most Famous in HBCU Culture\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe official Bethune-Cookman motto is:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\"Enter to Learn, Depart to Serve.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe phrase perfectly captures Dr. Bethune's belief that education should lead to leadership and service to the community. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e🐾 A Legacy Built on Two Historic Schools\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 1923, Dr. Bethune's school merged with the Cookman Institute, creating Bethune-Cookman College and expanding educational opportunities throughout Florida and the South. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e🐾 The Wildcats Name Came from Dr. Bethune Herself\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAccording to university tradition, after watching an early football practice, Dr. Bethune was so impressed by the team's intensity that she told them:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"You are ferocious.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/blockquote\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShe then dubbed them the \u003cstrong\u003eWildcats\u003c\/strong\u003e, a name that remains central to the university's identity today. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e🎺 The Marching Wildcats Are HBCU Royalty\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eMarching Wildcats\u003c\/strong\u003e are one of the most recognized bands in HBCU culture. What began in 1930 with only 30 musicians has grown into a nationally known organization with hundreds of members. The band has appeared in major television productions, the Honda Battle of the Bands, NFL events, Netflix's \u003cem\u003eMarching Orders\u003c\/em\u003e, and even the movie \u003cem\u003eDrumline\u003c\/em\u003e. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e✨ The Famous 14 Karat Gold Dancers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e14 Karat Gold Dancers\u003c\/strong\u003e are among the most recognized dance teams in Black college culture. They perform alongside the Marching Wildcats and have become an iconic part of Bethune-Cookman's brand. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e🌴 Located in Daytona Beach\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe university sits in \u003cstrong\u003eDaytona Beach, Florida\u003c\/strong\u003e, giving it one of the most unique settings in HBCU culture—combining rich Black educational history with a world-famous coastal destination. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese colors are among the most recognizable in HBCU athletics and fashion. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e🏛️ Dr. Bethune's Legacy Lives On\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDr. Mary McLeod Bethune's impact extends far beyond the university. She advised U.S. presidents, founded national organizations, and became one of the most influential Black women in American history. Her legacy remains the foundation of the university's culture and mission. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0010\/8563\/6655\/collections\/8CB4849D-D830-4FB3-9CA4-CE79F7BE24AD.png?v=1782065251","url":"https:\/\/blkrenaissance.com\/collections\/bethune-cookman.oembed","provider":"Black Renaissance Clothing","version":"1.0","type":"link"}