Dorothy Irene Height (1912–2010) was an American civil rights and women’s rights activist, recognized for her leadership in racial and gender equality movements. She served as president of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) for 40 years, advocating education, economic justice, and social reform.
Born in Richmond, Virginia, Height moved to Pennsylvania, excelling in oratory and academics. She earned a B.A. and M.A. from New York University (1932–33) and pursued postgraduate studies at Columbia University. She joined the NCNW in 1937, becoming its president in 1957.
Height played a key role in the Civil Rights Movement, working alongside Martin Luther King, Jr., John Lewis, and Eleanor Roosevelt. She was instrumental in desegregation, voter awareness, and women’s empowerment, often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
Her notable publications include Open Wide the Freedom Gates: A Memoir (2003,) chronicling her activism and leadership, and Living with Purpose (2009,) reflecting on her philosophy and experiences.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Dorothy I. Height
Without community service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It’s important to the person who serves as well as the recipient. It’s the way in which we ourselves grow and develop…
—Dorothy I. Height
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