Today, on what would have been her 150th birthday, we honor the unshakable spirit of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune — a woman who rose up time and time again to move mountains for her people. Born on July 10, 1875, to formerly enslaved parents, Dr. Bethune faced poverty, racism, and gender barriers — yet she never let them define her. Instead, she built. She taught. She led. With just $1.50 and a vision, she founded the Daytona Educational and Industrial School for Negro Girls, which grew into Bethune-Cookman University — a safe haven for Black girls to learn, dream, and thrive. She advised U.S. presidents, stood alongside First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, fought for the inclusion of Black soldiers, and founded the National Council of Negro Women in 1935 — giving Black women a unified voice in the fight for justice and equality. Dr. Bethune showed us what it means to rise, even when the odds are stacked high. Her legacy reminds us that with courage, vision, and love for our people — we too can rise. Happy Heavenly Birthday, Dr. Bethune. Your life is a testimony to the power of perseverance. You moved mountains — and now we carry the torch. ✊🏾🌻 #Because of Bethune #MaryTaughtUs #LegacyOfLeadership #NCNWHQ (fb)

As we near the end of Gun Violence Awareness Month, we’re spotlighting Brooklyn-based organizations that are actively preventing violence and building safer, stronger communities. These groups are on the frontlines — turning trauma into transformation and giving our youth the power to heal, lead, and create change: 🔸 @rohanlevyfoundation - Supporting families and youth impacted by gun violence through mentorship, healing, and advocacy. 🔸 @kavibrooklyn – Teaching conflict resolution, leadership, and peace-building to young people in schools and communities. 🔸 @shootfilmsnotpeeps – Using filmmaking and storytelling as tools for healing, empowerment, and prevention. 🔸 @brownsville.in.violence.out – Interrupting violence with credible messengers, community outreach, and trauma-informed care. 🔸 Save Our Streets (S.O.S.) – A pioneering anti-violence initiative that engages residents, provides support, and promotes nonviolence through community leadership. Donate, volunteer, amplify. Brooklyn can’t wait. ✊🏾🕊️ #NCNWBK #RohanLevyFoundation #GunViolenceAwarenessMonth #WearOrange #BrooklynStrong #EndGunViolence #CommunityPower #SaveOurStreets #KAVI #ShootFilmsNotPeople #BrownsvilleInViolenceOut #SaferBrooklyn (fb)