[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 144 (Wednesday, October 15, 2003)]
[House]
[Pages H9411-H9416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     AWARDING A CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO DR. DOROTHY HEIGHT IN 
          RECOGNITION OF HER MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE NATION

  Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and 
pass the bill (H.R. 1821) to award a congressional gold medal to Dr. 
Dorothy Height in recognition of her many contributions to the Nation.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                               H.R. 1821

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. FINDINGS.

       The Congress makes the following findings:
       (1) Dr. Dorothy Irene Height was born March 24, 1912, to 
     James Edward Height and Fannie (Borroughs) Height in 
     Richmond, Virginia and raised in Rankin, Pennsylvania.
       (2) Dr. Height is recognized as one of the preeminent 
     social and civil rights activists of her time, particularly 
     in the struggle for equality, social justice, and human 
     rights for all peoples.
       (3) Beginning as a civil rights advocate in the 1930s, she 
     soon gained prominence through her tireless efforts to 
     promote interracial schooling, to register and educate 
     voters, and to increase the visibility and status of women in 
     our society.
       (4) She has labored to provide hope for inner-city children 
     and their families, and she can claim responsibility for many 
     of the advances made by women and African-Americans over the 
     course of this century.
       (5) Her public career spans over 65 years.
       (6) Dr. Height was a valued consultant on human and civil 
     rights issues to First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and she 
     encouraged President Eisenhower to desegregate the Nation's 
     schools and President Johnson to appoint African-American 
     women to sub-Cabinet posts.
       (7) Dr. Height has been President of the National Council 
     of Negro Women (NCNW) since 1957, a position to which she was 
     appointed upon the retirement of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, one 
     of the most influential African-American women in United 
     States history.
       (8) The National Council of Negro Women is currently the 
     umbrella organization for 250 local groups and 38 national 
     groups engaged in economic development and women's issues.
       (9) Under Dr. Height's leadership, the National Council of 
     Negro Women implemented a number of new and innovative 
     programs and initiatives, including the following:
       (A) Operation Woman Power, a project to expand business 
     ownership by women and to provide funds for vocational 
     training.
       (B) Leadership training for African-American women in the 
     rural South.
       (C) The Black Family Reunion, a nationwide annual gathering 
     to encourage, renew and celebrate the concept of not only the 
     Black family but all families.
       (D) The Women's Center for Education and Career Advancement 
     to empower minority women in nontraditional careers.
       (E) The Bethune Museum and Archives, a museum devoted to 
     African-American women's history.
       (10) Dr. Height has been at the forefront of AIDS 
     education, both nationally and internationally; under her 
     direction, the National Council of Negro Women established 
     offices in West Africa and South Africa and worked to improve 
     the conditions of women in the developing world.
       (11) Dr. Height has been central in the success of 2 other 
     influential women's organizations, as follows:
       (A) As president and executive board member of Delta Sigma 
     Theta, Dr. Height left the sorority more efficient and 
     globally focused with a centralized headquarters.
       (B) Her work with the Young Women's Christian Association 
     (YWCA) led to its integration and more active participation 
     in the civil rights movement.
       (12) As a member of the ``Big Six'' civil rights leaders 
     with Whitney Young, A. Phillip Randolph, Martin Luther King, 
     Jr., James Farmer, and Roy Wilkins, Dr. Height was the only 
     female at the table when the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
     and others made plans for the civil rights movement.
       (13) Dr. Height is the recipient of many awards and 
     accolades for her efforts on behalf of women's rights, 
     including the following:
       (A) The Spingarn Award, the NAACP's highest honor for civil 
     rights contributions.
       (B) The Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President 
     Clinton.
       (C) The John F. Kennedy Memorial Award from the National 
     Council of Jewish Women.
       (D) The Ministerial Interfaith Association Award for her 
     contributions to interfaith, interracial, and ecumenical 
     movements for over 30 years;
       (E) The Lovejoy Award, the highest recognition by the Grand 
     Lodge of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the 
     World for outstanding contributions to human relations.
       (F) The Ladies Home Journal Woman of the Year Award in 
     recognition for her work for human rights.
       (G) The William L. Dawson Award presented by the 
     Congressional Black Caucus for decades of public service to 
     people of color and particularly women.
       (H) The Citizens Medal Award for distinguished service 
     presented by President Reagan.
       (I) The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Freedom Medal awarded by 
     the Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt Institute.
       (14) Dr. Dorothy Height has established a lasting legacy of 
     public service that has been an invaluable contribution to 
     the progress of this Nation.

     SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.

       (a) Presentation Authorized.--The Speaker of the House of 
     Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate 
     shall make appropriate arrangements for the presentation, on 
     behalf of the Congress, to Dr. Dorothy Irene Height a gold 
     medal of appropriate design in recognition of her many 
     contributions to the Nation.
       (b) Design and Striking.--For the purpose of the 
     presentation referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary of 
     the Treasury (hereafter in this Act referred to as the 
     ``Secretary'') shall strike a gold medal with suitable 
     emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the 
     Secretary.

     SEC. 3. DUPLICATE MEDALS.

       Under such regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, the 
     Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the 
     gold medals

[[Page H9412]]

     struck under section 2 at a price sufficient to cover the 
     costs of the medals, including labor, materials, dies, use of 
     machinery, and overhead expenses.

     SEC. 4. NATIONAL MEDALS.

       The medals struck under this Act are national medals for 
     purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code.

     SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS; PROCEEDS OF SALE.

       (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is hereby 
     authorized to be charged against the United States Mint 
     Public Enterprise Fund an amount not to exceed $30,000 to pay 
     for the cost of the medal authorized under section 2.
       (b) Proceeds of Sale.--Amounts received from the sale of 
     duplicate bronze medals under section 3 shall be deposited in 
     the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. King) and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Watt) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. King).


                             General Leave

  Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all 
Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend 
their remarks and to insert extraneous material on H.R. 1821, the 
legislation under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume, and I rise in support of H.R. 1821, legislation introduced by 
the gentlewoman from California, that would award the Congressional 
Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor Congress can bestow, on the 
prominent civil rights activist Dorothy Height.
  Dorothy Height has been one of the most influential leaders in the 
20th century, and even now in the 21st century, fighting for racial and 
gender equality. Dedicating her entire life to breaking down the 
immense barriers that divide race and class, Ms. Height stands side by 
side with other civil rights heroes such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
and Rosa Parks.
  Dorothy Height experienced racial and gender discrimination from an 
early age and embarked on a lifelong effort to guarantee all Americans 
their inalienable right of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 
Mr. Speaker, the Founding Fathers promised freedom and equality. Ms. 
Height worked, and continues to work at the age of 91, to make them 
come true for everyone.
  To bring those promises to fruition, Ms. Height began her activist 
career at the Young Women's Christian Association, the YWCA. Because of 
her efforts, the once-segregated organization now serves as a model of 
racial integration.
  Mr. Speaker, Dorothy Height's contributions to the civil rights 
movement certainly did not stop at the YWCA. She was also an active 
member of the National Council of Negro Women, an umbrella group for 
240 local and 31 national organizations working for black women's 
rights. In 1957, she became president of the NCNW, and she worked 
closely with Dr. King in virtually every major civil rights event in 
the 1960s.
  Mr. Speaker, the civil rights movement would hardly have been the 
same without Dorothy Height. She organized voter education drives in 
the North, and voter registration drives in the South. She helped plan 
the 1963 march on Washington, and led an effort to protect activists 
who ran freedom schools in Mississippi. For every civil rights effort, 
large or small, Dorothy Height was there.
  However, Ms. Height's activism delved even further into the obstacles 
black Americans faced. She addressed important internal issues within 
the black community, and she will ever be remembered as the person who 
established the National Black Family Reunion Project to illustrate to 
current generations the achievements of their ancestors and the 
benefits of extended family.
  Mr. Speaker, because of all her vital contributions to the 
improvement of American democracy, the time has come, in fact it is 
long overdue, for Congress to honor this remarkable woman. Dorothy 
Height has devoted her life to expanding the American Dream to every 
color, class, and gender. For her dedication, her deeds, and, most 
important, her dream, I am proud to stand in support of this 
legislation to award her the Congressional Gold Medal.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WATT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to first thank my colleague, the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Watson), for introducing and being the lead sponsor of 
the bill which would award a Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Dorothy 
Height.
  I cannot think of a time that I have felt more humble to be in 
control of time and to pay tribute to a great individual. And I cannot 
think of anybody that is living today that deserves a high honor of 
this kind more than Dorothy Height. So it is a great pleasure for me to 
be here and to have been asked to control time on our behalf.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman 
from California (Ms. Watson), the original sponsor of the bill.
  Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this 
time, and it is indeed a great honor to rise before this distinguished 
body as the original sponsor of H.R. 1821, a bill to award a 
Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Dorothy Height.
  I first want to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley) and the 
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) for their diligent work on 
this bill, as well as staffers Joe Pinder and Jaime Lizarraga.
  Dr. Height, who turned 91 earlier this year, continues to have an 
active and distinguished career as a human rights activist and 
humanitarian. She is recognized as the preeminent social and civil 
rights activist of our time and is known as the grand dame of America's 
civil rights movement.
  Mr. Speaker, I do not believe that there is any recipient of a 
Congressional Gold Medal whose career has been as long and as 
productive as Dr. Dorothy Height's. It spans almost three-quarters of a 
century, and Dorothy Height is still going strong into the 21st 
century.
  As a young woman, at the age of 25, Dr. Height joined forces with 
Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of the National Council of Negro Women, in 
her quest for women's full and equal employment and education 
advancement. During her tenure with the legendary Mary McLeod Bethune, 
Dr. Height's career as a preeminent civil rights activist began to 
unfold as she tirelessly worked to prevent lynching, desegregate the 
armed forces, reform the criminal justice system, and create free 
access to public facilities.
  That same year, Dr. Height began her work with the national Young 
Women's Christian Association of the USA. She rose quickly through 
several leadership positions and developed numerous programs to promote 
interracial and ecumenical education.

                              {time}  1615

  Dr. Height is credited with developing strategies to ensure the 
success of the YWCA's mission of providing equal opportunity and 
facilities for women of all cultures, ethnicities and nationalities. 
Dr. Height is considered one of the major leaders of the civil rights 
movement of the 1960s. As one of the Big Six civil rights leaders, she 
was the only woman at the table when Dr. Martin Luther King and others 
made plans for the civil rights movement. Dr. Height was constantly 
inspiring others, from the poor to world leaders, to achieve at the 
highest level. As an adviser to Presidents through their First Ladies, 
Dr. Height has effected significant change in the lives of not only 
African American women, but all women and their loved ones. She 
counseled Eleanor Roosevelt and prodded President Eisenhower to 
desegregate the Nation's schools. And she pressed President Johnson to 
appoint black women to sub-Cabinet posts. Dr. Height's many 
achievements and her distinguished service to the Nation and the world 
has earned her over 50 awards and honors from local and State 
governments as well as the Federal Government. Some of them include the 
following, the John F. Kennedy Memorial Award from the National Council 
of Jewish Women; the Ministerial Interfaith Association Award; the 
Lovejoy Award, the highest recognition by the Elks of the World; the 
Ladies Home Journal ``Woman of the Year'' Award; the Congressional 
Black Caucus's William L. Dawson Award for decades of

[[Page H9413]]

public service; the Citizens Medal Award presented by President Reagan 
for her distinguished service to the Nation; the Franklin Delano 
Roosevelt Freedom Medal; and the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award 
presented by President Clinton.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and humility that I proposed 
legislation awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Height. The 
time is long past due to recognize and to pay tribute to the 
significant works of this American treasure.
  Mr. WATT. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank), ranking member of the 
Committee on Financial Services.
  Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the willingness 
of the gentleman from North Carolina to take management of this bill to 
the floor and I want to join in thanking the gentlewoman from 
California for giving us the opportunity to honor this extraordinary 
woman, Dorothy Height.
  No problem in the history of this country, in my judgment, comes 
close to the problem of race in terms of its importance and the need 
for us to respond. Having brought people against their will from Africa 
hundreds of years ago and having subjected them, first to slavery, and 
then to a rigid and degrading system of official segregation, and then 
to a very grudging and gradual retreat from that segregation system, 
this Nation has to confront what I think is the saddest part of our 
history, our treatment of people of African descent. I am pleased that 
we have made the progress that we have made. Although, anyone who 
thinks racism has been extirpated lives in a much too optimistic world, 
but we have made progress. It is for that reason that it is so 
important to honor Dorothy Height. She was born into a racist society. 
She was born into a society in which national legislation, passed by 
our predecessor Congresses, signed by Presidents, enforced by the 
United States Supreme Court, segregated on the basis of race. And 
everyone knows that ``separate but equal'' was never anything more than 
a cruel joke. Separation came because people believed in inequality. 
And Dorothy Height was born not only into that racist system, she was 
born as a woman at a time when society was far less willing to 
acknowledge the equality of women in the social and political sphere. 
Facing that double handicap, she set out to help heal this society, to 
cure the ills that have troubled us. Of course, she did not succeed 
altogether, but no one that I know of has done more over this long and 
distinguished lifetime of hers to fight against those evils, the evils 
of prejudice, of segregation, of denying people the ability to live up 
to their full potential.
  One of the great honors of my life is that as I came along to join 
this body and became actively involved as a member of the Committee on 
the Judiciary and various civil rights fights, I got the chance to know 
her, to work with her and to be inspired by her. I am particularly 
proud, Mr. Speaker, that one of the latter things I did with Ms. Height 
as she continues her efforts was to appear with her in her capacity as 
chair of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, one of the great 
institutions of our time and with the executive director, the very 
distinguished and able Wade Henderson as they announced their 
endorsement of legislation that would ban discrimination based on 
sexual orientation, because I have found that people who have been 
unfairly discriminated against, based on one characteristic of 
themselves, understand why it is unfair to do that elsewhere, and it is 
an example of the greatness of Dorothy Height, that later in her life, 
well past her 80th birthday, she understood the importance not of 
abandoning the fight for racial fairness which she continues, but of 
taking on, also, the newer fight for opposing discrimination based on 
sexual orientation.
  I believe the great heroes of this society are those who have 
undergone whatever was necessary to help us live up to the wonderful 
ideals of that Constitution of 1787, and that was a Constitution which 
stated an ideal better than the society lived up to the reality. 
Realizing those ideals has been the most important part of our Nation's 
history and no one, literally no one, has played a more important part 
in that, no one has been tougher and more dedicated and more loving at 
the same time in her insistence that the country live up to its own 
best ideals than Dorothy Height. I thank the gentlewoman from 
California for giving us a chance to acknowledge that.
  Mr. WATT. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 3 minutes to the 
gentlewoman from Indiana (Ms. Carson).
  Ms. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, certainly I would add my praise 
and congratulations to the honorable gentlewoman from California for 
bringing this incredible, this very vital and very necessary and much 
deserved issue before the United States Congress, and that is to award 
a Congressional Gold Medal to the Honorable Dorothy Height. Dorothy 
Height, the president of the National Council of Negro Women, succeeded 
in that position from an icon of this world, that was Dr. Mary McLeod 
Bethune, who created the National Council of Negro Women, who was 
adviser to several Presidents and so was Dorothy Height. It is not a 
coincidence, I do not believe, that Dorothy's last name is Height, 
because she has scaled great heights in this country to enable people 
of color to get their rightful place at the tables of justice and equal 
opportunity. There are countless branches of the National Council of 
Negro Women around the country and around the world and their emphasis 
is phenomenal. It is very scriptural in terms of doing for these, the 
very least of these. In Indianapolis, we have a Mental Health Gift Lift 
which allows the community to come together to give gifts to those who 
are mentally challenged.
  Mary McLeod Bethune, and then Dr. Height, talks about love, leaving 
love as a testament. Dorothy Height is an individual that I feel very 
blessed that I am able to touch her hand in my lifetime. She was there 
when we conferred a medal on Rosa Parks. She was a very generous and 
very giving person, a very inspirational individual, very visionary 
individual in terms of how we could move this country forward in the 
right way. The gentleman from Massachusetts talked about her being 
there in the forefront so that we could ban injustices against people 
of certain sexual orientations. That was a very bold move on her part, 
but it was a very right move on her part. And that is what Dorothy 
Height did. She lived not just because, she lives for a cause. There 
are not too many people that I know who are more deserving of the 
Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor that this House could 
convey on an individual, than Dorothy Height.
  I want to commend the gentlewoman from California for bringing this 
matter to the House. It is much deserved. It is long overdue. I felt 
compelled to come here and support her in this manner, for doing her 
good work, commending somebody for their good work.
  Mr. WATT. Mr. Speaker, I yield for the purpose of making a unanimous 
consent request to the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos).
  (Mr. LANTOS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his 
remarks.)
  Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend my good friend for his 
very important piece of legislation.
  Mr. WATT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/4\ minutes to the gentlewoman from 
Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).
  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the distinguished gentleman from 
North Carolina for yielding me this time.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support this legislation that honors and 
salutes a giant and to acknowledge my good friend the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Watson) for her leadership and insight on an effort 
long overdue.
  We are blessed to have the Dr. Dorothy Height, Dr. Dorothy Irene 
Height, born on March 24, 1912, in Richmond, Virginia and raised in 
Rankin, Pennsylvania. Many of us have had the opportunity to study Dr. 
Height's history and contributions simply because she has given us the 
greater part of her life in service. And so we could tell you that she 
was a social justice activist, a civil rights activist, a servant of 
the people, one who served a number of Presidents, humanitarian, 
American, a hero, a great patriot. All of those are words without 
motion, unless you get to know Dr. Dorothy Height. You will then be 
captured by her charm, her energy, her insight, her intellect and her 
compassion. I am honored to have had

[[Page H9414]]

the opportunity among others to be able to share in her vision. It is 
wonderful to know that she can speak eloquently about Mary McLeod 
Bethune, that she can speak to the concept of ownership amongst African 
American people, having led the effort to put the first African 
American-owned building on Pennsylvania Avenue just two blocks away 
from the White House. You can see that she believes in women's rights, 
and she acts upon women's rights. She believes in the empowerment of 
minorities, and she acts upon the empowerment of minorities. She is 
what has been called a glorious and wonderful champion of the great 
leadership that we need and hope to have in the United States of 
America.
  And so, Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to be here today because our 
words are simply that, simple words, mere words. But if our presence on 
the floor today commemorates the honor that is being given to Dr. 
Dorothy Height, the leadership of the gentlewoman from California (Ms. 
Watson), we are here then to be part of the following that salutes this 
great leader and this great patriot. Dr. Height, we love you.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in unwavering support of H.R. 1821. 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 Halls 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 four 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, Virginia, she moved with her parents to Ranklin, 
Pennsylvania 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 four 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 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 
policy-making bodies affecting women, social welfare, economic 
development, and civil and human rights, and has received numerous 
appointments and awards.
  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 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.
  Still fighting, pushing, and advocating, Dr. Dorothy Height--mother, 
wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, doctor, civil/human rights 
activist, and freedom fighter continues unrelentingly to serve our 
country in the health and most meaningfully--the civic arena at the age 
of 91.
  Dr. Height is a commendable and formidable woman. She has whole-
heartedly devoted her life to public service, struggling for social 
justice, the eradication and education of HIV/AIDS, unprivileged 
children, equal rights, voting rights, women's rights, and education 
opportunities for all citizens irrespective of color, ethnicity, 
gender, disability, sexuality and other markers of difference.
  She was the leading lady in the civil rights movement, sitting as the 
only female on the planning table with Whitney Young, Dr. Martin Luther 
King, James Farmer, A. Phillip Randolph, and Roy Wilkins. She has been 
and continues to be emulated internationally. Needless to say, Dr. 
Height is a jewel in the African American community and an influential 
and exemplary leader in the country.
  Many examples of her work stand out in our minds. To give just one--
under her leadership of the National Negro Women's Council, she 
introduced and implemented many initiatives and programs geared towards 
the betterment of the Afro-American community, the advancement of 
minority women in all sectors of society, most notably, in business and 
non-traditional careers. Serving in all capacities imaginable, she has 
served distinguishably.
  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. While most individuals resolve to retirement at 
her current age, Dr. Dorothy Height continues to extend and commit 
herself beyond measures; she has done so not for recognition or 
national esteem, but as a labor of love. For the above-mentioned 
reasons, it is our rightful duty to honor her in recognition of her 
many priceless contributions to the civic growth of this nation and the 
beautiful legacy she will leave by awarding her a congressional gold 
medal.

                              {time}  1630

  Mr. WATT. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the 
gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).
  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I think it bears saying that Dorothy Height, 
who is a District resident, although she lived for many years in New 
York, is indeed a great American leader among us and one of a kind. 
There is no comparable leader in American life today because she was a 
guiding light. She is about 90 years old, still going as strong as any 
of us on this floor. She was a guiding light in the achievements we 
have made thus far for equal rights in America today. At the 40th 
anniversary on the March on Washington we just celebrated on August 23, 
some of us noted that Dorothy Height had the same position. She was 
president of the National Council of Negro Women then, but she was not 
included in the leaders that put on the march because she was a woman, 
and yet this is a woman who has stood for the rights of people of color 
and women equally. She is unique in the sense that when particularly 
black people were confused about whether one could be equally for women 
and for African Americans, she was a leader to say there is no such 
bifurcation in human rights.
  Mr. WATT. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.
  Mr. Speaker, my mother used to say, and she was a wise person, that 
we should honor people while we can or give them their flowers while 
they can still smell them, and Dorothy Height is still among us. So it 
is a great pleasure to be able to pay tribute to her while she can 
still hear the words and read the words and understand the words, and 
she has been with us through so many decades of service through a time 
when she has had substantial impact on our history, through contact 
with extraordinary people. In her recent autobiography called ``Open 
Wide the Freedom Gates,'' she describes contacts with W.E.B. DuBois; 
Marcus Garvey; Eleanor Roosevelt; Mary McLeod Bethune; Adam Clayton 
Powell, Sr.; Langston Hughes; W.C. Handy; and a host of other people. 
And she describes her involvement with the March on Washington as the 
only female member who was kind of in the back room in the organizing 
committee associated with that march.
  I think she has contributed so much, and more recently her 
organization of

[[Page H9415]]

the Black Family Reunion, with which my son was associated and got to 
know her. Every time I see Dr. Dorothy Height now, she never asks how I 
am doing. She is always asking about my son. So it is just a great 
pleasure to pay tribute to and support the Congressional Gold Medal for 
such a wonderful heroine.
  There is no living person today who deserves this congressional merit 
more than Dorothy Height. It is just a tremendous honor to be able to 
pay tribute to her, and I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.
  Ms. MILLENDER-McDONALD. Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to 
speak in favor of H.R. 1821 to award Dr. Dorothy Height the 
Congressional Gold Medal. During the 107th session, I introduced H. 
Res. 55 declaring a day acknowledging all of Dr. Height's stellar 
achievements, and this legislation resulted in over one hundred mayors 
across this country submitting proclamations to Dr. Height. We cannot 
celebrate Dr. Height and her illustrious accomplishments enough. By 
awarding her the Congressional Gold Medal, we are noting a life well 
lived by a dynamic woman who at one time simultaneously held leadership 
positions with the YWCA, the National Council of Negro Women and Delta 
Sigma Theta Sorority. Dr. Height became known as the only woman among 
the ``big six'' group of civil rights leaders including Dr. Martin 
Luther King, Jr., Roy Wilkins, Whitney Young and A. Phillip Randolph.
  Always a pioneer on behalf of women's and civil rights overall, Dr. 
Height became as well known abroad as she is here in the United States 
for her efforts to build coalitions among women internationally. We 
revere Dr. Height for advancing the National Council of Negro Women's 
agenda in terms of developing model programs in the areas of teen 
parenting, eradicating hunger, and career education. Dr. Height has 
always advocated for the expansion of access and opportunities for poor 
and marginalized people everywhere.
  In 1989, President Reagan recognized Dr. Height's contributions to 
society by awarding her the Citizens Medal award for distinguished 
service to the nation, and she has also earned more than 50 honors from 
local, state and national organizations. Her life is a living testimony 
to the quest for an equitable society for all.
  Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1821, 
which awards the Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Dorothy Height in 
recognition of her many outstanding and remarkable contributions to 
bettering this Nation.
  Born in 1912 in Richmond, Virginia Dr. Dorothy Irene Height 
distinguished herself at an early age as a dedicated student with 
exceptional oratorical skills. As a young girl she fearlessly and 
vehemently stood up to the racist and sexist climate of the times. At 
the age of 25 she heeded the call of her mentor, Mary McLeod Bethune, 
founder of the National Council of Negro Women, and joined the struggle 
for women's full and equal employment and educational advancement. She 
has and continues to dedicate her life to the struggle for equality, 
social justice, and human rights for all peoples.
  Mr. Speaker, throughout her illustrious career as a civil rights 
advocate, Dr. Height tirelessly worked to prevent lynching, encourage 
voter registration, desegregate the armed forces, reform the criminal 
justice system, and create equal access to public accommodations. Her 
public career spans nearly 65 years. She was a valued advisor to First 
Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and encouraged Presidents Eisenhower and Johnson 
to desegregate the Nation's public schools and to appoint African 
American women to sub-Cabinet positions. Since 1957 she has served as 
President of the National Council of Negro Women, an umbrella 
organization for 250 local groups and 38 national organizations 
dedicated to economic development and women's issues.
  Mr. Speaker, the numerous awards and accolades Dr. Height has 
received over the years is a testimony to her invaluable contributions 
to the progress of this nation. The NAACP has awarded her The Spingarn 
Award, its highest honor. She is also the proud recipient of the John 
F. Kennedy Memorial Award from the National Council of Jewish Women; 
the Ministerial Interfaith Association Award; the Lovejoy Award; and 
the Congressional Black Caucus' William L. Dawson Award for her decades 
of public service to people of color and particularly women. However, 
Dr. Height is not one to rest on her laurels. She continues to lead the 
fight against social injustice and inequality and her profound love for 
and dedication to our youth is unmatched. As a direct link to the civil 
rights movement of the 1960s, Dr. Height continues to inspire future 
generations of civil rights activists.
  Mr. Speaker, what else is truly remarkable about this grand dame is 
that at age 90 she does not plan on slowing down. And although she 
spends much of her time in a wheelchair, she continues to stand up for 
equality and social justice. I only hope and pray I have the same vigor 
and fight in me at that age.
  Once again, I am proud to stand before this body in support of H.R. 
1821. I want to thank my esteemed colleague from the state of 
California, the Honorable Diane Watson, for her leadership in 
sponsoring this important piece of legislation. I urge my colleagues to 
lend their support to this resolution and award Dr. Height our highest 
accolade.
  Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. Mr. Speaker, what an awesome privilege for me to 
have found myself in the presence of Dr. Dorothy Height--a brilliant 
woman, a woman of profound courage and insight--some of my living 
history as a woman, as person of African descent and as an American.
  Mr. Speaker, by bestowing Dr. Height with a Congressional Gold Medal, 
we honor this body, and I am pleased to be part of this effort. 
Although Dr. Height is known most recently for her leadership role with 
the National Council of Negro Women, her life accomplishments exemplify 
her commitment for a better society for all individuals, especially for 
African-Americans.
  Under the direction of Dr. Height, the National Council for Negro 
Women developed model programs on topics ranging from teenage parenting 
to eradicating hunger, and established the Bethune Museum and Archives 
for Black Women. The Bethune Museum is the first institution devoted to 
the history of black women. Dr. Height founded the Center for Racial 
Justice, served as President of the National Council of Negro Women and 
the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and held several leadership positions 
with the Young Women's Christian Association of America.
  Beginning as a civil rights advocate in the 1930's, Dr. Height soon 
gained prominence through her tireless efforts to promote interracial 
schooling, to register and educate voters, and to increase the 
visibility and status of women in our society. Dr. Height's devotion 
and commitment to fight for social justice in this nation and 
throughout the world has been unaffected by time. She has been at the 
forefront of AIDS education, both nationally and internationally; under 
her direction, the National Council of Negro Women established offices 
in West Africa and South Africa and worked to improve the conditions of 
women in developing countries.
  Dr. Dorothy Height's work represents the true meaning of public 
service. By awarding her with a Congressional God Medal, we honor a 
lasting legacy of public service that has been an invaluable to the 
progress of this Nation.
  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, Dr. Dorothy Height is a steadfast 
pioneer of women's rights and racial justice for people of color. She 
has set an example of what can be achieved through commitment and group 
activism.
  As the fourth elected president of the National Council of Negro 
Women (NCNW), Height led a crusade for justice for Black women. To help 
strengthen the Black family, Height conceived of and organized the 
Black Family Reunion Celebration which has been held here in 
Washington, D.C. since 1986.
  Under the leadership of Ms. Height, the NCNW achieved tax exempt 
status; raised funds from thousands of women in support of erecting a 
statue of Mary McLeod Bethune (NCNW's founder) in a federal park; 
developed several model programs to combat teenage pregnancy and 
address hunger in rural areas; and established the Bethune Museum and 
Archives for Black women, the first institution devoted to Black 
women's history. She has been instrumental in the initiation of NCNW 
sponsored food, childcare, housing and career educational programs.
  No stranger to political activism, in the 1960's, Height called on 
NCNW to sponsor ``Wednesdays in Mississippi'' when interracial groups 
of women would help out at Freedom schools and conduct voter 
registration drives in the North and voter registration in the South. 
She worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Roy Wilkins to prevent 
lynching, desegregate the Armed Forces, reform the criminal justice 
system, and provide equal access to public accommodations.
  Dr. Dorothy Irene Height has a long legacy as a leader in the 
struggle for equality and human rights. She through words and deeds 
have proven her distinguished service to humanity and her many 
contributions for equality, social justice and human rights for all 
peoples. She is to be commended for her efforts.
  I encouraged all my colleagues to support H.R. 1828 to award a 
Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Dorothy Height in recognition of her 
many contributions to the nation.

[[Page H9416]]

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, thank you Congresswoman Watson for bringing 
this resolution to the floor. I proudly stand here today to honor the 
extraordinary accomplishments of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height.
  Dr. Height's diligent service over the past 65 years has improved the 
lives of countless people, not only in the United States, but across 
the globe. Her dedication to the promotion of civil rights, social 
justice, and equality make here a true inspiration and model leader.
  Dr. Height worked passionately on African-American women's issues and 
HIV/AIDS issues, two of the primary issues that I strive to address in 
my work here in Congress. Dr. Height message resonates especially deep 
within my heart.
  Through Dr. Height's work with the National Council of Negro Women 
and by acting as a consultant to Eleanor Roosevelt, Height was, and 
continues to be, instrumental in the advancement of civil rights in 
America.
  As president of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) Height 
oversaw several programs which encouraged the empowerment of women 
throughout America. These programs included; Operation Woman Power, The 
Black Family Reunion, the Women's Center for Education and Career 
Advancement, and the Bethune Museum and Archives. In addition to 
programs that aid women in the U.S. Dr. Height continues to empower 
women internationally on HIV/AIDS issues throughout third world 
countries, specifically in West Africa and South Africa.
  In addition to her contributions through the NCNW, Dr. Height's work 
with the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and the Young Women's Christian 
Association (YWCA) has increased citizen participation in government 
and furthered the status of at risk peoples.
  Dr. Height's emphasis on the value of service is exemplified in her 
own words; ``Without community service, we would not have a strong 
quality of live. It's important to the person who serves as well as the 
recipient. It's the way in which we ourselves grow and develop. . .'' 
Dr. Height's worldview is one which we could all do well to adopt.
  This Congressional medal will place Dr. Height's among the ranks of 
other celebrated leaders such as Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Lady Bird 
Johnson, and Rosa Parks, to name a few. Like her predecessors, Dr. 
Dorothy Height's exemplary leadership enhances the lives of all people 
throughout America and the world.
  I thank my colleagues for this resolution and for their support.
  Mr. WATT. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. KING of New York. Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of the bill, I 
have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my 
time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Petri). The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. King) that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1821.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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