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Dorothy Height
Leading the National Council of Negro Women and connecting civil rights with women’s equality.
March on Washington · Center for Racial Justice
- Born
- 24 March 1912
- Birthplace
- Richmond, United States
- Died
- 20 April 2010
More people
Dorothy Height
American organizer who spent four decades leading a major federation of Black women’s organizations. Her work linked national campaigns with local community needs.
Early life
Pennsylvania upbringing
Grew up in Rankin after her family moved from Virginia.
Education and speaking
Won recognition as a student speaker and studied at New York University.
Career
- 1930s–1940s
Social work and organizing
Worked in New York and became active in the YWCA and women’s organizations.
- 1957–1997
NCNW leadership
Led the National Council of Negro Women through the civil-rights era and beyond.
- Later years
Continuing advocacy
Remained active in public life and received major national honours.
Campaigns & contributions
March on Washington
Helped organize the demonstration despite women’s limited representation on its speaking programme.
Center for Racial Justice
Helped establish the YWCA’s racial-justice initiative.
Black Family Reunion
Launched a programme celebrating and supporting Black family and community life.
Beyond work
Women’s leadership
Mentored younger organizers and pressed for women’s voices in national movements.
Public service
Served on federal advisory bodies, including the commission behind the Belmont Report.
Sources & photo credit
Biography and references ↗Biography and contributions ↗Photo: Adrian Hood. CC BY-SA 4.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
