[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 108 (Monday, August 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
      AWARD OF THE PRESIDENTIAL MEDAL OF FREEDOM TO DOROTHY HEIGHT

                                 ______


                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, August 8, 1994

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased and proud today to congratulate 
Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, president and chief executive officer of the 
National Council of Negro Women [NCNW], on being awarded a much 
deserved Presidential Medal of Freedom--the highest civilian award in 
the Nation. Dr. Height is honored today for her outstanding 
achievements as a civil rights leader who has helped Americans of all 
backgrounds, and especially women, families and young people for over 
50 years.
  It is impossible to think about African-American women and their 
progress without thinking of Dorothy Height. There is no aspect of the 
lives of African-American women that has not been touched by her touch 
or helped by her help. Today, it has become impossible as well to think 
about the African-American family without thinking of Dorothy Height. 
In 1986, she launched the Black Family Reunion Celebration in American 
cities around the country to bolster the historic strengths and 
traditional values of the African-American family.
  When others lamented and despaired at the fragile state of the 
African-American family, Dorothy Height filled the leadership void. Her 
Black Family Celebration throughout America increasingly rallies 
African-Americans to an understanding that family is central and family 
is indispensable. These celebrations have provoked thought and action 
about the necessity for family building.
  Similarly, feminism caught many unaware and confused. Dorothy 
Height's leadership was critical to the understanding of African-
American women that they must embrace feminism, and to the 
understanding of feminists that they must embrace African-American 
women.
  I call Dorothy Height the godmother of African-American women and of 
the civil rights movement because of the unique role she has played in 
both these movements. At the important moments in the history in the 
last 50 years, Dr. Height has been there--her principles, her energy, 
her voice always pressing the county forward--unafraid, yet balanced 
and wise.
  The Presidential Medal, in honoring Dorothy Height, will encourage 
the millions who follow her to observe her teachings and her life as an 
example for us all.

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