"I figured if we could pursue creative solutions for better services to those who were underserved, starting with babi…"

"I had a lot of hope and passion to help people move the needle in their own lives with the help of education and serv…"

"In the early years, Bland voraciously absorbed information she had access to and applied that education to helping he…"

"Bland’s legacy is one of a dedicated public servant who encouraged young people to further their education and partic…"

"Her daughter Arletha Bland-Manlove said she was an “extraordinary public servant” who earned respect from residents i…"

"One of the most important things that she always wanted people to know was that she was here to help, and she was a s…"

"Mary Groves Bland was a tireless public servant and an unwavering champion for social justice throughout her life, an…"

"She didn't like to be called a politician; she like to be called a servant of the people."

"I am firmly convinced that the conduct of the Irish in America has been strongly influential in winning for those at …"

"Our Nation is moving toward two societies, one black, one white—separate and unequal."