Discovering Dorothy: Top 13 Fascinating and Inspiring Facts About Civil Rights Activist Dorothy Height
1. Dorothy: Fashionista Activist
Whoever said "dress for success" must have had Dorothy Height in mind, because this civil rights activist knew how to stitch up a storm while fighting for justice: Not only an influential figure in civil rights advocacy, Dorothy was a trendsetter too, designing her own inauguration gown as the National Council of Negro Women's president in 1957 and consistently showcasing her impeccable fashion sense, helping break down stereotypes about African American women's style.
Source => womenshistory.org
2. Civil Rights "Godmother"
With a career that went "Height" and beyond, this iconic Civil Rights fighter certainly stood tall against adversity: Dorothy Height spent her life advocating for equality, leading the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years, and was considered the "godmother" of the Civil Rights Movement by President Obama himself.
Source => obamawhitehouse.archives.gov
Did you know Mary Church Terrell was a real-life superhero for women and African Americans, breaking barriers in both education and civil rights? Discover her amazing accomplishments!
=> Fun Facts about Mary-Church-Terrell
3. Limitless Presidential Reign
Who needs 41-year presidencies, am I right? Dorothy Height laughs in the face of term limits: As the president of the National Council of Negro Women from 1957 to 1998, she steered the organization to impressive feats like establishing the Women's Center for Education and Career Advancement and championing the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Source => aaihs.org
4. Meeting Mediator Extraordinaire
When Dorothy Height wasn't busy perfecting her stand-up act among civil rights heavyweights or moonlighting as a dispute-defusing superhero, she was making strides in another arena: Height was not only an exceptional orator, but she also played a significant mediating role during planning meetings with civil rights leaders of various philosophies. As one of the chief organizers of the 1963 March on Washington, she stood tall, representing the only women's organization recognized in the historic event.
Source => nps.gov
5. Quota-Hopping Scholar
Dorothy Height played a real-life game of "quota" hot potato with Barnard College: Although initially denied due to their "black quota" being met, she bounced back and secured a spot at New York University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in education and a master's degree in psychology.
Source => nps.gov
6. March on Washington Rule-Breaker
Breaking the "no girls allowed" rule in the coolest way possible: Dorothy Height and her gal pal Anna Arnold Hedgeman convinced organizers of the March on Washington to let a woman speak, smashing the gender bias like a well-aimed piñata whack.
Source => womenshistory.org
7. Civil Rights Gladiator
Move over, Olivia Pope, there's a Gladiator in the civil rights arena that was doing it before it was cool: Dorothy Height, not only an influential activist for African American and women's rights, but also a master mobilizer, planning meeting peacekeeper, and the (wo)man behind the curtains of the historic 1963 March on Washington.
Source => nps.gov
8. Stylish Stereotype Smasher
Donning her Robin Hood of haute couture persona, Dorothy Height crusaded for civil rights all while stylishly smashing societal expectations with her fabulous hat collection: As the president emerita of the National Council of Negro Women, she believed that dressing well demonstrated self-respect and helped breakdown stereotypes of African-American women.
Source => npr.org
9. Hats that Shaped History
From catwalks and concerts to civil rights and congress: Dorothy Height was an "a-hat-vist" whose legendary hat collection helped shape history! Her iconic headpieces include a vintage white mink number she wore to an Eleanor Roosevelt meeting in '38, a patriotic red, white, and blue ensemble for the 2008 Democratic National Convention that nominated Barack Obama, and an aqua blue, feather-flower adorned creation adorning her head when she got the 2004 Congressional Gold Medal from President George W. Bush. Her hats now reside in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, forever reminding us of her instrumental role in American history.
Source => mfastpete.org
10. Move Over Diamonds, Here's Dorothy
They say that diamonds are forever, but Dorothy Height's leadership gave this gem a run for its money: Staying at the helm of the National Council of Negro Women for an awe-inspiring 41 years, Ms. Height became one of the longest-serving leaders of a major advocacy organization in the United States.
Source => uspsblog.com
11. Civil Rights Ninja
Picture Dorothy Height as the ultimate civil rights ninja, stealthily advancing equality, barely making a whisper: In reality, she was president of the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years, advised Martin Luther King Jr., and witnessed the historic March on Washington, all while maintaining her humble and soft-spoken demeanor.
Source => independent.co.uk
12. Ethical Superhero in Research
Who knew Dorothy Height was also an "ethical superhero" fighting for justice in the world of research? That's right, ladies and gents, buckle up and hold on to your conical flasks: She was a key member of the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research, helping to write the Belmont Report. Our heroine provided invaluable insights on issues impacting women, like sterilization and testing, and her passion for social justice and informed consent played a vital role in creating the guidelines for protecting the rights and safety of research participants.
Source => hhs.gov
13. Legendary Orator
Dorothy Height could talk the hind legs off a donkey, leaving speechless politicians in her wake: This civil rights powerhouse not only won a national oratory competition in high school but went on to advise the likes of Eleanor Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Lyndon Johnson on pivotal civil rights issues.
Source => amightygirl.com
