Dorothy Height

About

Dorothy Irene Height was a prominent American civil rights and women's rights activist. Born on March 24, 1912, in Richmond, Virginia, she was raised in Rankin, Pennsylvania. Height's educational journey began with a scholarship to New York University, where she earned degrees in education and psychology. Her early career involved social work in Harlem and leadership roles at the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), where she advocated for the integration of facilities and the rights of Black domestic workers. Height became president of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) in 1957, leading the organization for 40 years. She played a crucial role in organizing the 1963 March on Washington and was a key figure in the civil rights movement. Height worked tirelessly to merge the struggles for racial and gender equality, earning her numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. Her legacy extends beyond her leadership roles, as she inspired generations with her dedication to social justice and equality.