The civil rights movement in the United States was made up of hundreds of influential activists who put their lives on the line to fight for their ideals. Unfortunately, many of them go uncredited, as is the case for Dorothy Heights. A black woman who for more than 40 years, stood her ground and became a leading advocate for women's rights, as well as speaking out on issues such as poverty, education, and health care. She even worked alongside notable leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and John Lewis, but few even know her name.
Dorothy Irene Height, born in 1912 in the southern state of Virginia, grew up attending segregated schools. This led Dorothy to become a key speaker for civil rights and then pursue a degree in education. During her studies she also initiated her career as a social worker with the New York City Welfare Department. She first joined YWCA (Young Women’s Christian Association) whose goals were to empower and fight for the rights of women & young girls. Dorothy also worked with the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) and the National Youth Administration (NYA). In 1957, Height became the president of the NCNW, a position she held for more than 40 years.
During her time as president of the NCNW, She played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement, especially as a prominent organizer of the 1963 March on Washington. Although the stage was dominated by men, none of them would have been there without Dororthy’s tireless efforts for the event’s success. She even acted as an ambassador for the lone women’s organization during the event.
Height continued to work towards social equality throughout her life, serving on numerous committees and advisory boards and receiving numerous awards for her advocacy work. One of her least known achievements were her ‘Wednesdays in Mississippi’ with Polly Spiegel Cowan (A Jewish activist), which together brought together black and white women from both the North & South to work against segregation. She continued to fight for civil rights, both nationally and internationally through her efforts to develop many international volunteer programs with the NCNW in Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America.
Dorothy Height passed away in 2010 at the age of 98, leaving behind a legacy of activism and advocacy. Her tireless work for civil rights and women's rights helped to shape American society and advance the cause of social justice. In recognition of her contributions, Height was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994, the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004, and was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1993. Despite her numerous accomplishments and awards, Height continues to be unwritten in many history textbooks.
Comments