Shero, Dorothy Height

Dorothy Height was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, although she has not receive the credit she deserves. She was born on March 24, 1912, in Richmond Virginia. Height was a very intelligent person, from her youth until the day she passed. Her family relocated to Rankin, Pennsylvania where she exceeded expectations academically.

Height earned a scholarship to Barnard College due to her academic excellence. Yet she was unable attend because Barnard College only accepted two black student a year. Unfortunately, they reached their limit, and her scholarship was renounced. The greatest thing about obstacles are the new opportunities they bring. Height did not allow a recalled scholarship to intervene with receiving a higher education. Instead, she attended New York University, where she graduated with not only a bachelor’s but a master’s as well.  Height started her career as a social worker and worked for the Harlem YWCA (Young Women Christians Association). While working there she met Mary McLeod Bethune.

 Bethune inspired Height to work for the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). The NCNW helped bring organizations together that supported women’s rights. Height became the fourth president of the organization. It was under her leadership they focused on voter registration in the south, voter education in the north, illiteracy, and unemployment. Height developed “Mississippi Wednesday’s” which was a group of women (black & white) coming together to discuss how women could improve how they related to one another and voter’s registration.

 Not only was Height speaking up for women, but she played an integral part in the March on Washington (1963). She helped organize the march using her vast network and connections. In addition to her activism, she regularly advised President’s Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Lydon B. Johnson. To honor her life’s work, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1994) and the Congressional Gold Medal (2004). At the sweet age of 98, Ms. Dorothy Height passed away in 2010.

Thank you, Dorothy Height for your contributions to the culture!