The Life of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height

Early Years

We take a look at Dr. Dorothy Height’s life in pictures, from her famous photo standing on the podium when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his “I Have a Dream,” speech to her singing “We Shall Overcome” with Jesse Jackson.

Born on March 24, 1912. Dr. Height started early as a teen and became active with organizations in the social injustice movement. In this photo, dated on March 20, 1974, she is National President of the National Council of Negro Women, and is also Director of the center for Racial Justice of the national YWCA.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority

On May 14, 1953 in Washington, members of Delta Sigma Theta sorority present Mrs. Eisenhower with their song, ‘There’ll be a Jubilee?.’ In group are left to right, Miss Patricia Roberts, Washington, D.C.; Mrs. Dorothy Harrison, Langston, Oklahoma; Mrs. Eisenhower; Miss Dorothy Height, New York; Mrs. Reber Can, Cincinnati, O.; Mrs. Letitia Kirtley, Bluefield, Va.

“I Have a Dream”

The passionate activist was on the podium when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his”I Have a Dream,” speech at the March on Washington in 1963.

The Chosen One

In this photo on June 4, 1965, from left, Morris Dosewell, American Labor Council; Dr. Dorothy Height, National Committee Negro Women; Alexander Allen, Urban League; Basil Paterson, NAACP and Bayard Rustin, director of the Philips Randolph Institute walk together after a meeting with Mayor Wagner in New York.

We Shall Overcome

Dr. Piet Koornnor, the South African ambassador to the U.S., joins hands with Dr. Dorothy Height, and Rev. Jesse Jackson, during a chorus of “We Shall Overcome” at the conclusion of the First International Ecumenical Prayer Breakfast on January 15, 1989.

The Liberty Bell

Dr. Height, taps the Liberty Bell to commemorate the birthday of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in Philadelphia, on January 20, 1992.

The Congressional Gold Medal

Dr. Height was presented with the Congressional Gold Medal on March 24, 2004.

Huge Honor

Dr. Height, arrived at Oprah’s popular Legends Ball at the Bacara Resort in Santa Barbara on May 14, 2005.

Always Gave Back

Dr. Height worked on an array of human rights and humanitarian issues, such as, economic empowerment and leadership development projects for women.

Dr. Dorothy Irene Height

Dr. Height is survived by her sister, Anthanette Aldridge, three nephews, two nieces, great and great-great nieces and nephews and a host of other friends and family. Rest In Peace Dr. Height. We will miss you.