Dr. Dorothy I. Height
As I reflect on the hope and challenges facing women in the 21st century, I am also reminded of the protracted struggles of African-American women who joined together as SISTERS in 1935 in response to Mrs. Bethune's call. It was an opportunity to deal creatively with the fact that Black women stood outside of America's mainstream of opportunity, influence and power.
For nearly half a century, Dorothy Irene Height has given leadership to the struggle for equality and human rights for all people. Her life exemplifies her passionate commitment for a just society and her vision of a better world.

Dorothy Height was born in Richmond, Virginia March 24, 1912, and educated in public schools in Rankin, Pa, a borough of Pittsburgh, 
where her family moved when she was four.

Height established herself early as a dedicated student with exceptional oratorical skills. After winning a $1,000 scholarship in a national oratorical contest on the United States Constitution, sponsored by the Elks, and a record of scholastic excellence, she attended New York University and earned her bachelor and master's degrees in four years. She did postgraduate work at Columbia University and the New York School of 
Social Work.

In 1933, Height became a leader of the United Christian Youth Movement of North America in the New Deal era. It was during this period that Height's career as a civil rights advocate began to unfold, as she worked to prevent lynching, desegregate the armed forces, reform the criminal justice system and for free access to public accommodations.

Height was named to deal with the outcome of the Harlem riot of 1935. 

Height was an organizer and served as Vice President of the United Christian Youth Movement of North America. In this capacity she was chosen as one of 10 American youth delegates to the World Conference on Life 
and Work of the Churches in Oxford England. Two years later (1939), she was a representative of the YWCA to the World Conference of Christian Youth in Amsterdam Holland.

1937 was the turning point in the life of Dorothy Height. She was serving as Assistant Executive Director of the Harlem YWCA when Mary McLeod Bethune, founder and president of the National Council of Negro Women, noticed young Height who was escorting Eleanor Roosevelt into the NCNW 
meeting. Mrs. Bethune invited Height to join NCNW in her quest for women's 
rights to full and equal employment, pay and education. 

In 1938, Height was one of 10 American youth invited by Eleanor Roosevelt to spend a weekend at her Hyde Park NY home to plan and prepare for the World Youth Conference to be held at Vassar College.

Dorothy I. Height has received awards and citations including the:
John F. Kennedy Memorial Award
Hadassah Myrtle Wreath of Achievement
Ministerial Interfaith Association Award
Ladies Home Journal - Woman of the Year
Congressional Black Caucus - Decades of Service
President Ronald Reagan - Citizens Medal
Franklin Roosevelt - Freedom Medal
Essence Award
Camille Cosby World of Children Award
Caring Institute - Caring Award
NAACP - Spingarn Medal
National Women's Hall of Fame
President Bill Clinton - Presidential Medal of Freedom
On Height's 92nd birthday March 24, 2004, President George W. Bush presented her the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian
and most distinguished award presented by the United States Congress.