[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 27, 2001)]
[House]
[Pages H422-H426]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 ESTABLISHING A DAY OF CELEBRATION IN HONOR OF DR. DOROTHY IRENE HEIGHT

  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 55) expressing the sense of the House of 
Representatives that there should be established a day of celebration 
in honor of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H. Res. 55

       Whereas, for nearly half a century, Dr. Dorothy Irene 
     Height has been a leader in the struggle for equality and 
     human rights;
       Whereas Dr. Height founded the Center for Racial Justice, 
     served as President of the National Council of Negro Women 
     and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and held 
     several leadership positions with the Young Women's Christian 
     Association of America;
       Whereas, under the leadership of Dr. Height, the National 
     Council of Negro Women achieved tax-exempt status, developed 
     model programs on topics ranging from teenage parenting to 
     eradicating hunger, and established the Bethune Museum and 
     Archives for Black Women, the first institution devoted to 
     the history of black women;
       Whereas Dr. Height conceived of and organized the Black 
     Family Reunion Celebration, which is now in its eleventh year 
     and has had 14,000,000 participants;
       Whereas Dr. Height has worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, 
     Jr., Roy Wilkins, Whitney Young, A. Phillip Randolph, and 
     others to prevent lynching, desegregate the Armed Forces, 
     reform the criminal justice system, and provide equal access 
     to public accommodations;
       Whereas Dr. Height has served as a participant at 
     conferences hosted by the United Nations and the President of 
     the United States;
       Whereas the distinguished service and contributions of Dr. 
     Height to making the world more just and humane have earned 
     her more than 50 awards and honors from local, State, and 
     national organizations, and from the Federal Government, 
     including the Spingarn Medal from the National Association 
     for the Advancement of Colored People, the Presidential Medal 
     of Freedom from President Clinton, and induction into the 
     National Women's Hall of Fame;
       Whereas Dr. Height has received more than 24 honorary 
     degrees from educational institutions worldwide; and
       Whereas the life of Dr. Height exemplifies a passionate 
     commitment to the realization of a just society and a vision 
     of a better world: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) recognizes Dr. Dorothy Irene Height as a valiant 
     advocate and crusader for human rights; and
       (2) acknowledges the more than 6 decades of distinguished 
     leadership and service of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Mica) and the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia 
(Ms. Norton) each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica).


                             General Leave

  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
on House Resolution 55, the legislation before us.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Florida?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have before the House for consideration 
House Resolution 55, legislation introduced by the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Millender-McDonald).
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation honors the work of Dorothy Height. 
Throughout her career, Dr. Height has been recognized as a leader in 
the struggle for equality and human rights for all people. As president 
of the National Council on Negro Women, Dr. Height has an outstanding 
record of accomplishments. Under her leadership, the council developed 
model programs on topics ranging from teenage parenting to eradicating 
hunger and established the Bethune Museum and Archives for Black Women, 
which was the first institution devoted to the history of black women.
  Dr. Height organized the Black Family Reunion Celebration which is 
now in its 11th year with over 14 million participants. Dr. Height's 
contributions have earned her more than 50 awards and honors from every 
level, local, State and national organizations. For her tireless 
efforts on behalf of the less fortunate, President Ronald Reagan 
presented her the Citizens Medal award for distinguished service to the 
country in 1989.
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to encourage all of the Members of the 
House to support this resolution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Dynamic, committed, engaging, steadfast. These are only some of the 
many words that come to mind to describe Dr. Dorothy Height, a tireless 
champion of women, children, civil rights, peace and justice. For 
nearly half a century, Dr. Height has been a leader in the struggle for 
equality and human rights. In 1935 as a caseworker for the New York 
City welfare department, Dr. Dorothy Height became the first black 
person named to deal with Harlem rights and thus emerged, as a very 
young woman, into public life.
  She quickly became one of the young leaders of the national youth 
movement of the New Deal era. When Dr. Height was serving as assistant 
director of the Harlem YWCA in 1937, Mary McLeod Bethune, founder and 
president of the National Council of Negro women, asked Dr. Height to 
join her in her quest for women's rights for full equality and 
employment, that is to say, equal employment, pay and education.
  That was the beginning of Dr. Height's dual role as YWCA staff and 
NCNW volunteer, integrating her training as a social worker and her 
commitment to rise above the limitations of both race and sex. Dr. 
Height was elected national president of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority 
in 1947 and ushered in a new era of organizational development.
  During the 1960s, she worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., 
Roy Wilkins and others to prevent lynching, desegregating the Armed 
Forces, reform the criminal justice system and secure the landmark 
civil rights legislation.
  In 1957, she assumed the presidency of the National Council of Negro 
Women. As president, she has brilliantly led a crusade for justice for 
African American women and has both conceived and organized the Black 
Family Reunion Celebration which has been held here in Washington and 
in cities throughout the country since 1986.
  Dr. Height is now chair and president emerita of NCNW. She has worked 
tirelessly in the international arena with UNESCO, USAID and as a 
representative of numerous world meetings, conferences and missions. As 
a recipient of more than 25 honorary doctoral degrees and countless 
awards, Dr. Height continues more than six decades as a public servant 
in every sense of the word as a dream giver, as an earth shaker, and as 
a crusader for human rights.
  Mr. Speaker, that is my official statement. If I may, I would like to 
offer a personal statement, because Dorothy Height reminds me every 
time I see her that she has moved from New York City; and she is now my 
constituent. And what a constituent she is to have. This resolution 
marks half a century of unique work for human rights, for all the 
people of the world, from an extraordinary woman.
  February is Black History Month, so it is appropriate to celebrate 
the life and work of Dorothy Height. March is Women's History Month; 
and we could equally have celebrated Dr. Height's work next month, for 
this is a woman who has managed to make history in two identities at 
once, as an American woman and as an African American.
  You will hear her extraordinary accomplishments in detail 
momentarily.

[[Page H423]]

 I want simply to pay tribute to her on a specific score, a leadership 
role that has made a very special difference.
  When the feminist movement thrust forward in the 1960s, there was 
extraordinary confusion in the African American community about how to 
greet this enormous onslaught of white women calling themselves a 
movement. The confusion was among black women, black men, minority 
people around the country. It was as if they had forgotten that half of 
the black people are black women.
  Dorothy Height had the courage to step forward in the midst of that 
confusion and declare proudly that she was not only a civil rights 
leader, a leader of African Americans, but she was a feminist leader. 
Few others had the courage in the late sixties and early seventies to 
step right up in front, put her hands on her hips and say, ``Look at 
me, I'm both. I'm black and I'm a woman, and I'm going to get out here 
and fight for both.''
  When you try to divide her identity that way, you divide the great 
movement for human rights. Representative Shirley Chisholm, the first 
black woman to serve in this body, was another of those courageous 
women that stepped forward. Black men and women as a result, both in 
this body and in the country, have been among the foremost feminists 
and among the foremost advocates of women's rights precisely because 
there were a very few leaders who exercised the preeminent role of 
leadership and clarified what the right thing to do was and is.
  Thus, I simply want to take special note of Dorothy Height's active 
leadership in this regard to add to her many, many medals of 
leadership, her unwillingness to bifurcate human rights in any form.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to yield the balance of my time to the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald) whose foresight is 
responsible for this resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without objection, the gentlewoman from 
California will control the balance of the time.
  There was no objection.
  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Let me thank the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia. In fact, 
she brought such a spirit to this debate and to this presentation. She 
is absolutely right. We are 2 days before Women's History Month, and I 
was really grappling with the whole notion of whether we should 
introduce this month or the next month. But we know that there are 
young African American women who look up to Dorothy Height and the 
struggle that she had in trying to bring human dignity and human rights 
to this country, and so we thought that it was necessary to do this in 
the month of February.
  I would like to thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica) in the 
absence of my cochair, the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert), 
who could not be here to introduce it on the Republican side.

                              {time}  1500

  Mr. Speaker, in keeping with our celebration of Black History Month, 
I rise in strong support of House Resolution 55, which honors Dr. 
Dorothy Irene Height's life and achievements. I have had the honor of 
knowing her for years but have formed a closer relationship since 
coming to Washington. I have always been impressed with her grace, 
dignity and wisdom.
  Recently, the League of African American Women, an organization of 
over 40 women groups that I founded about 10 years ago, honored Dr. 
Height for her vision and leadership. It was at that event that I 
expressed a need for a national declaration of gratitude for the works 
of this great leader and the seeds of greatness she has planted for 
future generations. Thus, the reason for this resolution.
  For more than half a century, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height has given 
leadership to the struggle for equality and human rights for all people 
by founding the Center for Racial Justice, promoting racial justice and 
religious freedom at the YWCA, and working with the National Council of 
Negro Women on women's rights, pay equity and educational advancement. 
Her life exemplifies a passionate commitment for a just society and a 
vision of a better world.
  During Dr. Height's career, she worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr., Roy Wilkins, Whitney Young and A. Philip Randolph and others 
and was the only woman allowed to be present in several high-powered 
strategy sessions, and I can remember looking at her and admiring her 
when I was a young girl as her being the only woman that sat in the 
room with President Johnson, and all of the men whose names I have just 
mentioned, to craft the civil rights laws.
  As a result, Dr. Height has participated in virtually all major civil 
and human rights events.
  Dr. Height is also known for her extensive international advocacy 
work, educating work and promoting human dignity in training 
assignments in Asia, Africa, Europe and South America.
  With more than six decades of public life as a valiant advocate, 
earth shaker and crusader of human rights, it is fitting to celebrate 
this illustrious woman as we enter into a new millennium. I am proud to 
honor Dr. Height by sponsoring this resolution with the women of the 
House. I am also very proud to announce that tomorrow cities around the 
Nation will be declaring February 28 of 2001 as Dr. Dorothy Irene 
Height Day.
  Dorothy Height is truly a historic figure and a renaissance woman, 
and I urge all Members to support this resolution and join me in 
honoring her lifetime achievements.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Ohio (Mrs. Jones).
  Mrs. JONES of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great 
American, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height. I would like to commend my 
colleague, the great woman from the State of California (Ms. Millender-
McDonald) for her insight in pushing such a resolution.
  Dr. Height exemplifies the best qualities of leadership as reflected 
in her six decades of work to improve the lives of other people. Dr. 
Height once stated we have to improve life, not just for those who have 
the most skills and those who know how to manipulate the system but 
also for and with those who often have so much to give but never get 
the opportunity.
  This philosophy has never been needed more than now, at this period 
of our history in the year 2001. Currently, we live in a period of 
unparalleled opportunity. However, there are many people who are 
unprepared to take advantage of these opportunities. At this time in 
our history, we must be mindful of the goals of Dr. Height's work to 
lift as we climb.
  Today, the Congressional Black Caucus held an historic hearing 
regarding electoral reform, the first hearing to be held after the 
November election debacle. Consistent with her words to improve life, 
we move to say we are not going to get over it; we cannot get over it, 
and Dr. Height would not want us to get over it.
  With Dr. Height's graduation from New York University in 1933, she 
earned a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in educational psychology. Not 
many opportunities were available to women and people of color. Her 
career then began to unfold and it represents the liberation of African 
America, of black African America, and the advance of women's rights 
and the struggle and effort to lift up the poor and powerless.
  She became a volunteer with the National Council of Negro Women and 
worked with Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, became President of that 
organization after Ms. Bethune's death. She worked closely with other 
great civil rights leaders.
  As a self-help advocate, Dr. Height has been instrumental in the 
initiation of NCNW-sponsored food.
  I close with this: I am proud to honor Dr. Height today; proud to be 
a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, a national service sorority 
dedicated to providing assistance to those in need.
  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished 
gentlewoman from Maryland (Mrs. Morella).
  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. 
Mica) for yielding me this time.
  Mr. Speaker, I wanted to come here on the floor to pay tribute to a 
woman

[[Page H424]]

who is a dear friend of mine and who is a mentor of mine. I am just so 
pleased and I want to commend the authors of this resolution for 
bringing it out on the floor.
  Dorothy Height reminds me of something that Shakespeare said, ``Those 
about her, from her shall learn the perfect ways of honor,'' and indeed 
she epitomizes that.
  It is a pleasure to recognize a pioneer for both human and civil 
rights. Throughout Dr. Dorothy Irene Height's career, which spanned 
over six decades, Ms. Height has joined with other such great leaders 
as Martin Luther King, Jr., Whitney Young, Mary McLeod Bethune to make 
our country a better place for all people.
  In 1957, Dorothy Height assumed presidency of the National Council of 
Negro Women, which led the civil rights movement for voting rights and 
desegregated education. In addition to her 20 honorary degrees and over 
50 awards, Dorothy Height received the Citizens Medal Award for 
distinguished national service in 1989, the Stellar Award and the 
Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994, to name simply a few.
  Dr. Height's international influence initiated the only African 
American private voluntary organization in Africa, as well as 
organizations in Asia, Europe and South America. Her national 
associations include the inauguration of the Center for Racial Justice 
and founded the Black Family Reunion Celebration, which is an event 
that has attracted over 11 million visitors and supporters.
  Before her retirement in 1996, Dorothy Height secured funding for a 
national headquarters for the National Council of Negro Women in 
Washington, D.C., our Nation's capital. I have appeared with her in 
panels and forums. I have also listened to her speak, and I am always 
absolutely amazed at her insight and her brilliance and her 
identification with people, with all people.
  Throughout her life, Dorothy Height has made an immense impact on 
both women's rights and human rights issues with her tireless passion 
and positive nature.
  She continues to be an inspiration and a teacher to us all and my 
personal friend and role model. I am proud to join my colleagues in 
recognizing her life's achievements.
  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Meek).
  (Mrs. MEEK of Florida asked and was given permission to revise and 
extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this Congress owes a tribute to 
the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald) for having the 
foresight of introducing this legislation regarding Dr. Dorothy Irene 
Height. I am pleased and privileged to be here today. I have known Ms. 
Dorothy Height for 50 years as she started out in a college where I 
taught many years ago, Bethune Cookman College. She was a colleague and 
a friend of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, so it is with privilege and honor 
that I stand here today to pay tribute to Dr. Height.
  It is very hard to describe Dr. Height because she is a phenomenal 
woman. It is very hard to even describe a superlative for Dr. Height. 
She is an academic. She is a scholar. She is a social worker. She is a 
giver for everyone. Dr. Height was a mainstream black woman who did 
things for everybody, not only black America but white America as well, 
and particularly for women. She reached out through her work with the 
YWCA and through her work with the National Council of Negro Women. 
During those days, it was sort of a courageous stand to be a member of 
the National Council of Negro Women.
  She has been a leader in the struggle for equality and civil rights 
and human rights for everyone. Her life exemplifies her passionate 
commitment to a just society and a vision for a better world. Dr. 
Height was more than words. She was a woman of action. She is known all 
over the world for her extensive international and developmental 
education work. She initiated the first African American private 
voluntary organization working in Africa way back in 1975, building on 
the success of the National Council of Negro Women's assignments in 
Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America.
  Working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Roy Wilkins, Whitney 
Young, A. Philip Randolph and others, Dr. Height participated in 
virtually all major civil and human rights events in the United States 
in the 1950s and 1960s. It took a phenomenal woman to do that, Mr. 
Speaker.
  In 1989, she received a Presidential Citizens Medal Award for 
distinguished service to the country. Each President in this country 
has honored Dr. Height in some way, both Republican and Democrat, and 
all of them understood that this woman was a little bit different and a 
cut above. Therefore, they honored her in every way.
  After nearly five decades of national leadership, Dr. Height still 
remains very active in the struggle for equality and human rights for 
all people. She still serves as chair of the Leadership Conference on 
Civil Rights and Chair Emeritus of the National Council of Negro Women. 
She is a role model for all of us in the Congress and for all who 
aspire to positions of leadership. Dr. Height rightfully takes her 
place as one of our Nation's giants in social and educational 
leadership.
  Dr. Dorothy Irene Height is my hero, and, Mr. Speaker, we do her 
honor.
  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mrs. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3\1/2\ minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Stearns). The gentlewoman from Texas 
(Ms. Jackson-Lee) is recognized for 5\1/2\ minutes.
  (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked and was given permission to revise 
and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, what an honor to join the 
gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald) for this great day 
and to thank her for her leadership of the Women's Caucus, but thank 
her in particular for her leadership on this issue. I am proud to join 
her as an original cosponsor.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the House and I thank the gentleman from Florida 
(Mr. Mica) for his leadership as well.
  I am going to speak from the heart. I have a prepared text but this 
is such a grand day that I am overwhelmed with emotion, and it is a day 
that the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald) has 
helped bring to fruition, and we thank her for it; long overdue.
  Just a few hours or so ago, we were in a hearing talking about how to 
empower the election process of America. Dorothy Height is the 
successor to the great leader of that wonderful college, Bethune 
Cookman, and I am always reminded of her statement about educating the 
little children. Mary McLeod Bethune had five broken little chairs and 
she decided to organize a college, a beautiful college, that now exists 
that my predecessor at the mike, the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. 
Meek) went to and graduated and had the honor of calling her her 
mentor. Well, she trained Dorothy Height and Dorothy Height came to the 
front of the leadership realm during a time when women were usually 
sitting down and not sitting down like Rosa Parks were. They were 
pushed to the back.

                              {time}  1515

  Dorothy Height stood tall and she was regal, but she was sound and 
she was heard, having the ear of Presidents, starting I think as early 
as Franklin Delano Roosevelt, moving through Truman, Eisenhower, 
Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon. There was not one, including Carter and others 
since that time, with whom Dorothy Height did not have an active role.
  What was her issue? Her issue was dealing with the American people, 
the hopeless and helpless. It was dealing with improving education in 
historically black colleges, with uplifting women and providing them 
with training so they could go outside of the home and become 
contributing members, as they desired to do. It was opening the doors 
of opportunity.
  She got her start from the YWCA, and getting her start there, she was 
able to promote a number of programs that helped women. She worked 
closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Roy Wilkins, Whitney Young, and A. 
Phillip Randolph. She knew Barbara Jordan, Barbara Jordan asking and 
answering

[[Page H425]]

the question, what do we want: ``just simply what America promises,'' 
and that is equality and opportunity. That is what Dorothy Height spoke 
to us about.
  She was head of the National Council of Negro Women, which seems to 
isolate her, but I would say, the head of an organized body of women 
wanting what is better for women, what is better for Americans: helping 
us move beyond our own stereotypes, helping the aged, and working to 
ensure that those people who cannot speak can be heard.
  She had a vision, and the vision was that we would own property, 
meaning the National Council of Negro Women, on Pennsylvania Avenue. I 
believe it is the only property owned by African-Americans. What a 
dream.
  Now, just a few hundred yards down from the White House, sits this 
beautiful edifice that is not a testament to isolated Americans, it is 
a testament to what Americans can do when they pull up their 
bootstraps. That is what Dorothy Height did on behalf of the National 
Council of Negro Women.
  I honor her out of my heart, out of my soul, and out of my spirit, 
Mr. Speaker, a woman who stood next to all the civil rights fighters 
and spoke on my behalf when I could not. This is a great day.
  Mr. Speaker, I would simply close by acknowledging the dream she had, 
which was to enhance the property of Pennsylvania Avenue with our 
presence. Now we have this wonderful building that is not just in 
bricks and mortar, but it is a building that studies how to improve the 
working conditions of women; how to deal with enhancing the educational 
needs of a larger community; how to heal the racial divide in our 
country; how to actively say that civil rights is not an isolated part 
of one particular constituency, but it is of all Americans.
  Out of that, let me say, Mr. Speaker, that she has been acknowledged 
by the Stellar Award; the Spirit of Cincinnati Ambassador Award; The 
Camille Cosby World of Children Award; the National Caucus and Center 
on Black Aged Living Legacy Award; the Caring Award by the Caring 
Institute.
  I have been honored by receiving a Dorothy Height Award, and what a 
precious award of leadership, not because I deserve it, but because 
Dorothy Height deserves to have an award named after her, after all the 
years that she has stood alongside of the civil rights fighters; the 
only woman, I think, to speak, or one of the very few women, in 1964 at 
the March on Washington, when she heard the words, ``I have a dream.''
  I would simply say that Dorothy Irene Height has an outstanding 
record of accomplishment.
  As a self-help advocate, she has been instrumental in the initiation 
of the National Council of Negro Women's sponsorship of food, child 
care, housing, and career educational programs that embody the 
principles of self-reliance.
  As a promoter of black family life, she conceived and organized the 
Black Family Reunion Celebration in 1986 to reinforce the historic 
strength of family, both the African-American family, but the American 
family. Now it is in its 9th year.
  So Dr. Dorothy Irene Height deserves this lifetime resolution, this 
lifetime acknowledgment of her achievement. She is a brilliant woman, 
an advocate of women's rights, and she is still going on. So I simply 
close by saying I will walk with the Constitution because Dorothy Irene 
Height gave me the right to stand tall as a woman.
  Mr. Speaker, Dorothy Height's lifetime of achievement measures the 
liberation of Black America, the advance of women's rights and a 
determined effort to lift the poor and the powerless into the Hall of 
Power and influence in our Nation.
  Dorothy Height began her career as a staff member of the YWCA in New 
York City, becoming director of the Center for Racial Justice. She 
became a volunteer with the National Council of Negro Women, when she 
worked with NCNW founder Mary McLeod Bethune.
  When Bethune died, Height became president, a position she continues 
to hold. NCNW, an organization of national organizations and community 
sections with outreach to 4 million women, develops model national and 
international community-based programs, sent scores of women to help in 
the Freedom Schools of the civil rights movement, and spearheaded voter 
registration drives Height's collaborative leadership style brings 
together people of different cultures for mutual benefit.
  Because of Dorothy Height's commitment to the Black family she has 
hosted since 1986, the Black Family Reunion Celebration in which almost 
10 million have participated.
  Born in Richmond, VA, she moved with her parents to Ranklin, PA, at 
an early age. Winner of a scholarship for her exceptional oratorical 
skills, she entered New York University where she earned the Bachelor 
and Master degrees in 4 years.
  While working as a caseworker for the welfare department in New York, 
Dr. Height joined the NCNW in 1937 and her career as a pioneer in civil 
rights activities began to unfold. She served on the national staff of 
the YWCA of USA from 1944 to 1977 where she was active in developing 
its leadership training and interracial and ecumenical education 
programs. In 1965 she inaugurated the Center for Racial Justice which 
is still a major initiative of the National YWCA. She served as the 
10th national president of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. from 
1946 to 1957 before becoming president of the NCNW in 1958.
  Working closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Roy Wilkins, 
Whitney Young, A. Philip Randolph, and others, Dr. Height participated 
in virtually all major civil and human rights events in the 1950's and 
1960's. For her tireless efforts on behalf of the less fortunate, 
President Ronald Regan presented her the Citizens Medal Award for 
distinguished service to the country in 1989.
  Dr. Height is known for her extensive international and developmental 
education work. She initiated the sole African-American private 
voluntary organization working in Africa in 1975, building on the 
success of NCNW's assignments in Asia, Africa, Europe, and South 
America.
  In three decades of national leadership, she has served on major 
policymaking bodies affecting women, social welfare, economic 
development, and civil and human rights, and has received numerous 
appointments and awards. The most recent recognitions include 
appointment to the Advisory Council of the White House Initiative on 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities by President Bush and to 
the National Advisory Council on Aging by Secretary of Health and Human 
Services Louis Sullivan. Her awards are extensive with the most recent 
ones including the Stellar Award; the Spirit of Cincinnati Ambassador 
Award; Camille Cosby World of Children Award; National Caucus and 
Center on Black Aged Living Legacy Award; the Caring Award by the 
Caring Institute; NAFEO Distinguished Leadership Award; the Olender 
Foundation's Generous Heart Award; and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt 
Freedom From Want Award. She also received 19 honorary doctorates from 
colleges and universities.
  As president of NCNW, Dorothy Irene Height has an outstanding record 
of accomplishments. As a self-help advocate, she has been instrumental 
in the initiation of NCNW sponsored food, child care, housing and 
career educational programs that embody the principles of self-
reliance. As a promoter of Black family life she conceived and 
organized the Black Family Reunion Celebration in 1986 to reinforce the 
historic strengths and traditional values of the African-American 
Family. Now in its ninth year, this multicity cultural event has 
attracted some 11.5 million people.
  Dr. Dorothy I. Height's lifetime of achievement measures the 
liberation of Black America, the brilliant advance of women's rights, 
and the most determined effort to lift up the poor and the powerless. 
Dream giver and earth shaker, Dr. Dorothy Height has followed and 
expanded on the original purpose of the National Council of Negro 
Women, giving new meaning, new courage and pride to women, youth and 
families everywhere.
  Dorothy Height has been recognized numerous times for his 
contributions to America. She has received the Spingarn Medal from the 
NAACP, July 1993 and has been inducted into ``National Womens Hall of 
Fame'', October, 1993.
  I am pleased and honored to stand with fellow women of the Congress, 
the Congressional Black Caucus to recognize a living American legend 
and champion of equal rights and justice for all Americans--Dorothy 
Height.


                             General Leave

  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend 
their remarks on House Resolution 55.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Stearns). Is there objection to the 
request of the gentlewoman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentlewoman from California (Ms. 
Millender-McDonald) for introducing this important resolution, for her 
efforts to bring to the floor this resolution today, and also to 
recognize, at a

[[Page H426]]

time when our young people so desperately need role models, someone who 
follows in the footsteps of some of my African-American female heroes: 
Mary McLeod Bethune; Zora Neal Hurston, someone who I love and adore as 
a black author, and whose works have not been properly recognized until 
late; Barbara Jordan; and today I saw so many Barbara Jordans on the 
floor who I am very proud of, and who serve as role models in the House 
of Representatives, again for so many young people across this land who 
need role models.
  Dorothy Height's life exemplifies her passionate commitment to a just 
society, and her vision of a much better world for everyone. It is 
fitting today that Congress acknowledge more than 6 decades of 
distinguished leadership and service provided by Dorothy Irene Height.
  I want to again thank the sponsors of this legislation, and thank the 
gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), chairman of our full committee, 
and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Scarborough), chairman of the 
Subcommittee on Civil Service of the Committee on Government Reform, 
for bringing this legislation forward; and also the ranking member, and 
the chief ranking member, of course, is the gentleman from California 
(Mr. Waxman), and also Mr. Davis, for working expeditiously to bring 
this resolution to the floor today.
  I urge Members to lend their support to this resolution.
  Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, throughout her career, Dr. Dorothy 
I. Height has been a leader in the struggle for equality and human 
rights for all people. Her life serves as an example of one who is 
passionately committed for a just society and her vision of a better 
world.
  In 1965, she started the Center for Racial Justice which is still a 
major initiative of the National YWCA.
  She worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Roy Wilkins, 
Whitney Young, A. Philip Randolph as well as others. Dr. Height 
participated in virtually all major civil and human rights events in 
the 1950s and 1960s. For her tireless efforts on behalf of the less 
fortunate, President Ronald Reagan presented her the Citizens Medal 
Award for distinguished service to the country in 1989.
  Dr. Height is known for her extensive international and developmental 
education work. She initiated the sole African American private 
voluntary organization working in Africa in 1975, building on the 
success of NCNW's assignments in Asia, Africa, Europe, and South 
America. In three decades of national leadership, she has served on 
major policymaking bodies affecting women, social welfare, economic 
development, and civil and human rights, and has received numerous 
appointments and awards. The most recent recognitions include 
appointment to the Advisory Council of the White House Initiative on 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities by President Bush and to 
the National Advisory Council on Aging by Secretary of Health and Human 
Services Louis Sullivan. As a self-help advocate, she has been 
instrumental in the initiation of NCNW sponsored food, child care, 
housing and career educational programs that embody the principles of 
self-reliance. As a promoter of Black family life she conceived and 
organized the Black Family Reunion Celebration in 1986 to reinforce the 
historic strengths and traditional values of the African American 
Family. Now in its ninth year, this multi-city cultural event has 
attracted some 11.5 million people.
  Dr. Dorothy I. Height's lifetime of achievement measures the 
liberation of Black America, the brilliant advance of women's rights, 
and the most determined effort to lift up the poor and the powerless. 
Dream giver and earth shaker, Dr. Dorothy Height has followed and 
expanded on the original purpose of the National Council of Negro 
Women, giving new meaning, new courage and pride to women, youth and 
families everywhere.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, today we salute a true living legend--Dr. 
Dorothy Height. An icon, Dr. Height has been a model in the struggle 
for human rights everywhere. Throughout a career spanning over six 
decades, Dr. Height has served as a notable leader, filling an array of 
positions, and always doing so with an unyielding sense of commitment, 
determination, class, and integrity.
  There are so many different words with which one might describe Dr. 
Height:
  Stalwart because of her dedication to women and the Black community. 
She has given over three decades of committed leadership and service as 
President of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) where she 
orchestrated their child care, housing, and career educational 
programs;
  Fashionable because of her stunning grace and trademark stylish hats, 
turning heads everywhere she goes;
  A heroine and role model, Dr. Height filled the post of national 
president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and served on the 
national staff for the YWCA; and
  An incredible champion for her work as a valiant civil rights leader, 
serving with the likes of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Roy Wilkins, 
Whitney Young, and A. Phillip Randolph.
  I salute Dr. Dorothy Height with a quote from famous poet Nikki 
Giovanni's poem, ``Ego Tripping'':

     She was born in the congo
     She walked to the fertile crescent and built the sphinx
     She designed a pyramid so tough that a star that only glows 
           every one hundred years falls into the center giving 
           divine perfect light
     She is bad!!
     She is so perfect so divine so ethereal so surreal
     She cannot be comprehended except by her permission
     I mean . . . She can fly like a bird in the
           sky . . .
  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to recognize a 
distinguished woman who devoted her life to fighting for human rights, 
peace, and justice.
  Dr. Dorothy Irene Height was the first African-American named to deal 
with the Harlem riots of 1935 and became one of the young leaders of 
the National Youth Movement of the New Deal era.
  She dedicated her life to more than six decades of distinguished 
leadership and service. Dr. Height established the Center for Racial 
Justice and the Bethune Museum and Archives for Black women. She served 
as president of the National Council of Negro Women and organized the 
Black Family Reunion Celebration.
  She worked hard to improve lives while working at the YWCA and the 
National Council of Negro Women, as the fourth elected President.
  She diligently worked to expand women's rights for full and equal 
employment, pay, and education. She not only worked to expand women's 
rights in the U.S., but also in the international arena.
  She has touched many lives through her instrumental work on improving 
child care, housing projects, and career and educational programs that 
embody the principles of self-reliance.
  I want to commend Dr. Height for her work to better people's lives 
through her commitment to fight for human rights as well as uphold 
justice, equality, and freedom throughout the world. Thank you Dr. 
Height for your tremendous work. You are a living legacy.
  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am proud today to join with my 
colleagues in passing House Resolution 55, honoring Dr. Dorothy Irene 
Height as an activist and crusader for human rights. Dr. Height has 
dedicated her life to serving her community. She has affected great 
change in the areas of women's empowerment, social welfare, economic 
development, and civil and human rights.
  She has been a tireless advocate, working for decades on behalf of 
socially and economically disadvantaged communities. And she is perhaps 
most notable because she understands the diversity of this country and 
our world, utilizing a collaborative leadership style, to bring people 
of different cultures together for mutual benefit. She is a true leader 
in the struggle for equality and social justice.
  Dr. Dorothy Irene Height is truly an amazing individual, for whom I 
have a great deal of admiration and respect.
  Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica) that the House suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution, H. Res. 55.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof), the rules were suspended and the resolution was agreed to.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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