Hi! The final entrant in this year's Activism and Political Spotlight is an OG in the activism field, a heavy hitter in both racial and gender equality. I wasn't intending to find someone who'd dabbled in both of this Spotlight's categories to wrap things up, so that makes today's entrant a bonus find for me. Let's get to the Spotlight!
Name: Dorothy Height, 1912-2010
Profession: Civil rights & social activist
Why is the Spotlight on her today? For her contributions to and success in bridging both the racial barrier and gender inequality
Accomplishments:
--Was mentored by Mary McLeod Bethune and would eventually become her successor
--Was awarded the Barnard Medal of Distinction by Barnard College
--Helped to bring an end to the Harlem race riots of the '30s
--Former leader of the United Christian Youth Movement of North America
--Through her leadership with NCNW, was able to start a local program geared at addressing racial education inequalities and opening communication between the races
--Was the only female member of the civil rights 'Big Six'
--Was presented with a Presidential Medal of Freedom by then-President Bill Clinton
--Served as president of the National Council for Negro Women for over 40 years
--Received over 30 honorary doctorate's degrees from various universities
--Was an invited guest of President Kennedy to celebrate when the Equal Pay Act was signed into law
--Lobbied to have a statue of her mentor, Mary McLeod Bethune, erected and her home declared a historic site
--Was awarded the Citizens' Medal Award for distinguished service by then-President Reagan
--Served on the national YWCA board and held leadership positions in other YWCA-led organizations
--Was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal
--Was inducted in the International Democracy Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C.
--Former President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
--Helped create the Women's Center for Education and Career Advancement in New York
--Established an Associate's degree program that is now part of a permanent professional degree course at Pace University
--Was awarded the National Association of Social Workers Lifetime Achievement Award
--Was eulogized by President Obama
Further reading links:
Wikipedia | NY Times | Visionary Project | NASW Foundation
Told you today's entrant was a heavy hitter. Dorothy Height accomplished several lifetimes' worth of achievements, all without desiring the fame or even recognition that such accomplishments would warrant. I was wondering why I'd never heard of Dorothy Height in all of the things I'd read on civil rights and gender equality, but from what I read about her, she preferred to remain behind the scenes. It truly is a shame though, because she was such a pivotal part of opening dialogue and doors for women and African-Americans alike. So check out the Further Reading links; they're quite the read. I hope you enjoyed and I'll see you tomorrow!
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