The Black Rose Foundation For Children, Inc. | Changing The World...One Child At A Time

THE BLACK ROSE INSPIRATION

The Black Rose Foundation for Children was founded in the legacy of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune is an American Shero. She founded Bethune-Cookman (B-CC) College, The National Council of Negro Women and she served as advisor for five presidents of the United States of America. Dr. Bethune was a children’s advocate, women’s rights activist and educator.

In 1920, Dr. Bethune visited Europe. During that visit she saw a garden of flowers that included black roses. This was the first time in her life she saw black roses. Impressed with the black rose, she projected that image and believed even more in God's intentionality in creating a diverse people and world.

Upon return to her beloved B-CC, Dr. Bethune relayed this experience to the college family, particularly the students. From that point on she began to refer to her students at B-CC as her “Black Roses.”

The Black Rose Foundation for Children is also an inspiration of Mr. Willie L. Flemming, father of the founder.