[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 24, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE 98TH BIRTHDAY OF DR. DOROTHY I. HEIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 24, 2010

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of a 
very special and extraordinary individual; a woman who embodies the 
best of mankind and who has dedicated her whole life to improving the 
lives of others. The woman of whom I speak is none other than Dr. 
Dorothy Irene Height.
  Today, Dr. Height celebrates her 98th birthday and I couldn't be more 
proud and honored to call her my friend.
  This African-American administrator, teacher, and social activist, 
has been a leader in the struggle for equality and human rights for all 
people her whole life. Her life exemplifies her passionate commitment 
for a just society and her vision of a better world.
  Born in Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Height moved with her parents to 
Ranklin, Pennsylvania at an early age and attended public schools. 
Winner of a scholarship for her exceptional oratorical skills, she 
entered New York University where she earned both a Bachelors and 
Masters Degree in four years. It was while she was working as a 
caseworker for the welfare department in New York that Dr. Height 
joined the National Council for Negro Women, NCNW. It was this single 
act that helped launch her career in civil rights.
  In 1965, Dr. Height 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 civil rights giants such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 
Roy Wilkins, Whitney Young, and A. Philip Randolph, Dorothy Height 
participated in nearly all of the major civil and human rights events 
in the 1950s and 1960s. It was for her many tireless efforts on behalf 
of the less fortunate, that President Ronald Reagan presented her the 
Citizens Medal Award for distinguished service to the country in 1989.
  Dr. Height is known for her work in international and developmental 
education. In three decades of national leadership, she has served on 
major policy-making bodies affecting women, social welfare, economic 
development, civil and human rights, and has received numerous 
appointments and awards.
  Dr. Height continues to enjoy a lifetime of achievements. Her 
continuous devotion and work to advance the rights of women, and her 
efforts to empower the poor and the powerless, speak volumes for this 
is truly a woman whose life is the epitome of courage, vision, and deep 
faith--an inspiration to us all.
  To my colleagues here in the House . . . please join me in extending 
to Dr. Height, congratulations and warmest wishes on this her ``special 
day.''
  Dr. Height, ``Happy Birthday.''

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