From About.Com:
Dorothy Height made many strides for women and African Americans. Dorothy started out as a teacher at a community center in Brooklyn, New York where she became active in the United Christian Youth Movement.
In 1938 she was chosen by Eleanor Roosevelt to help plan a World Youth Conference, where she met Mary McLeod Bethune where her affiliation with the National Council of Negro Women began. 1938 is also the year that Dorothy started working with the YWCA where she was a very important part of the desegregation of all levels of the YWCA organization.
Dorothy Height was one of the few women to participate in the high ranks of the Civil Rights Movement. Dorothy had the privilege of standing on the platform with Dr. Martin Luther King when he gave is infamous “I Have A Dream” speech.
In 1994, President Clinton presented Dorothy Height with the Medal Of Freedom given to those civilians who show “Distinguished Civilian Service” to their community; and Ms. Height was definitely worthy.
At this time we are mourning her loss, but we also need to celebrate her life and accomplishments. We should be proud to have witnessed her legacy.
Listen as Dr. Height talks about her experiences during the Civil Rights Movement:
Check out this poem written in honor of Ms. Heights 100th Birthday. Although she did not make it that far this is a great tribute to one of our great African American Women Leaders:
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