[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E473]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO DR. DOROTHY I. HEIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS-

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 24, 2010

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition and celebration 
of Dr. Dorothy I. Height on her 98th Birthday for her unwavering 
dedication and contributions to society. Her commitment to social work 
and those who are underserved have been indelible.
  Dorothy I. Height was born in Richmond, Virginia. At an early age, 
she moved with her family to Rankin, Pennsylvania. She graduated from 
Rankin High School. While in high school, she received a scholarship to 
Barnard College; however, upon her arrival, she was denied entrance. 
During that time, Barnard only admitted two African Americans per 
academic year and Ms. Height had arrived after the other two students 
had been admitted. She did not let this disappointment deter her; she 
would later attend New York University, where she earned a Bachelor's 
and Master's degree in only four years.
  After college, Dr. Height worked as a teacher in Brownsville 
Community Center in Brooklyn, New York. She was also very active in the 
United Christian Youth Movement after its founding in 1935. Her undying 
commitment to women and families led her to her work as a case manager 
for the welfare department in New York. In 1937, she would join the 
National Council of Negro Women and her career as a pioneer in civil 
rights began to unfold.
  In 1938, Dorothy Height was one of ten young people selected to help 
Eleanor Roosevelt plan a World Youth Conference. Through Ms. Roosevelt, 
she met Mary McLeod Bethune and became involved in the National Council 
of Negro Women. That same year, she was hired by the Young Women's 
Christian Association (YWCA). She worked for better conditions for 
black domestic workers, leading to her election to YWCA national 
leadership. She was active in developing its leadership training and 
interracial and ecumenical education programs.
  Throughout her career, Dr. Dorothy I. Height has remained a tireless 
leader in the struggle for equality and human rights for all people. 
Her life exemplifies her passionate commitment for a just society and 
her vision of a better world. She has worked closely with Dr. Martin 
Luther King, Jr., Roy Wilkins, Whitney Young, A. Philip Randolph, and 
many others. Dr. Height has participated in virtually all of the 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. In her numerous 
decades of national leadership, she has served on major policy-making 
bodies affecting women, social welfare, economic development, civil and 
human rights. She has received numerous recognition and awards. 
Recently, she was appointed to the Advisory Council of the White House 
Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities by President 
Bush.
  Dr. Height has remained a model of social consistency. She has 
inspired me as a social worker, community organizer and policy maker. 
She embodies the spirit of commitment. It is with immense honor and 
pleasure that I recognize her historic efforts and legacy and wish her 
a very happy birthday. May this year bring with it all the success and 
fulfillment her heart desires. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to 
join me in wishing Dr. Dorothy I. Height a Happy Birthday.

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