Dr. Height set an example for African-American women to follow by her quiet manner, always being well dressed. She often wore hats to match her outfits.
Dr. Dorothy Height has published several books —“Open Wide the Freedom Gates: A Memoir,” “The Black Family Dinner Quilt: Health Conscious Recipes and Food Memories,” and “Living with Purpose.” We can learn from her as she takes us on a journey in her books of understanding our own life’s purpose through learning to listen, learn and lead.
Dr. Height earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in educational psychology from New York University. She also pursued post-graduate degrees at Columbia University and the New York School of Social Work.
Although the National Council of Negro Women was founded by Mary McLeod Bethune, Dr. Height served as president of NCNW for 40 years (until she was 85 years old).
The NCNW is an “organization of organizations” and women of all racial and culture backgrounds are included. Members of the NCNW strive to work together.
The NCNW is a non-profit 501(c)(3) member organization, thanks to the work of Dr. Height, who designed and created activities for the council to promote and benefit America.
We are tireless activists in the mission to advance opportunities and quality of life for African-American women, their families and community.
We continue to celebrate our traditions and values, just as Dr. Height did when she establishing the first Black Family Reunion in 1986.
Dr. Height was often described as the “glue” that held the family of black civil rights leaders together. She did much of her work out of the public spotlight in quiet meetings and conversations.
She was well connected to top leadership, power and influence in government and business.
She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004, one of the highest civilian awards in the United States.
Former President Barack Obama called Dr. Height “the grandmother” of the civil rights movement and a hero to many Americans. She is the NCNW hero and the glue that continues to hold us together with her legacy of service and dedication to African-American women.
In November 2016, Dr. Height was honored with a 2017 U.S. postage stamp, the 40th stamp in the Black Heritage Forever series. She is the 15th African woman to be honored on a U.S. postage stamp.
In her own words, Dr. Height said, “I have dedicated my life in service to others — especially women and children — who are less fortunate and who need a voice. I have tried to be that voice.”
Our Springfield Chapter of NCNW lives up to those words through our work in the Springfield community by supporting local organizations, sponsoring fundraisers and lending our overall support to educational, charitable and civic programs.
Joyce Chilton is a member of the Springfield City Commission and the historian of the Clark County/Springfield section of the National Council of Negro Women.
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