Greatness

Dorothy Height (2008), Author Adrian Hood (CC BY-SA 4.0 International)

“Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes, but by the opposition he or she has overcome to reach his goals.”

-Dorothy Height

Dorothy Height was an African American social worker, journalist, politician, and civil rights advocate [1].  She served as Chairperson of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and was a founding member of the National Women’s Political Caucus.

At the National Council of Negro Women, Ms. Height worked to end lynching in the South, restructure the criminal justice system, and increase voter registration.  Presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Lyndon Johnson frequently sought her advice.

Strengthened by her deep faith, Ms. Height took a stand not only on racism, but social and economic justice.  She fought for voter rights, women’s rights, fair wages, and equal access to education and health care.

The awards Ms. Height received during her long and productive life included the Presidential Medal of Freedom (1994) and the Jefferson Award for Outstanding Public Service Benefiting the Disadvantaged (2001).  She received an estimated 24 honorary degrees.

Dorothy Height is remembered as a compassionate and visionary leader [2].  She is an inspiration to anyone who has had to overcome obstacles in life.

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[1]  Women’s History Museum, “Dorothy Height (1912-2010)” by Arlisha Norwood, https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/dorothy-height

[2]  The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, “Remembering Dr. Dorothy Irene Height” by Alex Herman, 4/20/20, https://civilrights.org/blog/remembering-dr-dorothy-irene-height/#.

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