Dorothy Height

Dorothy Irene Height (March 24, 1912 – April 20, 2010) was an American civil rights and women's rights activist who focused on issues of African-American women, including unemployment, illiteracy, and voter awareness. Height is widely regarded as one of the most influential women in the civil rights movement.

Early Life and Education

Dorothy Height was born in Richmond, Virginia, and raised in Rankin, Pennsylvania. She demonstrated exceptional oratory skills as a young girl, which earned her a scholarship to attend college. Height attended New York University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in education in 1933 and a master's degree in psychology in 1934.

Career and Activism

Height began her career as a social worker in Harlem, New York. She joined the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) in 1937 and became its president in 1957, a position she held for 40 years. Under her leadership, the NCNW became a powerful force in the civil rights movement.

Height was a key organizer of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Despite her significant contributions, she was often the only woman at the highest levels of the civil rights movement.

Contributions to Women's Rights

In addition to her work in civil rights, Height was a prominent advocate for women's rights. She worked to bridge the gap between the civil rights and women's rights movements, emphasizing the importance of gender equality within the context of racial equality.

Height was instrumental in the creation of the National Women's Political Caucus in 1971, alongside other prominent feminists such as Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan.

Awards and Recognition

Dorothy Height received numerous awards for her work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004. She was recognized as "the godmother of the civil rights movement" for her tireless efforts in advocating for equality and justice.

Legacy

Height's legacy is preserved through the ongoing work of the NCNW and other organizations she influenced. Her life and work continue to inspire new generations of activists committed to social justice and equality.

Also see

• Civil rights movement
• Women's rights movement
• National Council of Negro Women
• March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom
• Martin Luther King Jr.