Today’s announcement about the loss of “drum major for justice” Dr. Dorothy Height caused me to pause. More than any other icon of civil rights, her passing is very personal to me. As an aspiring woman of influence, I recognize her legacy as nothing short of a phenomenon.
Supporting so many in the truest sense of the female spirit of nurture, yet demanding so much of men and women alike. She was there at every stage of what we now call “the civil rights movement” with scores of unsung women who supported the movement. In my imagination, I can see her being present, yet not always heard or heeded; her quiet courage and patience sitting in rooms that were closed to most women but her; and the moral fortitude needed to stand on her principles.
And yet she persisted, yet she was resilient and brilliant and accommodating. And on more than one occasion, she made time to speak to me when she knew nothing about me. Looking into my eyes as if I were one of the people she was there to see. So as I walk into rooms where men are sometimes more concerned about my appearance than my intellect and I make contributions that are sometimes unrecognized, I think of Dr. Height. Her name was never mentioned in my history book but her impact was felt. Dr. Height said, “If you worry about who is going to get credit, you don’t get much work done.” This mantra enabled her to influence countless initiatives and organizations that have supported our country.
So one question for you:
What change will you inspire to honor her legacy?
And one for me:
Isn’t it wonderful to have an idea worthy of your concern over who might get the credit?
Thank you Dr. Height for your legacy!
Dr. Dorothy I. Height (1912 – 2010)
Activist, Social Worker President, National Congress of Negro Women
She said: “We have to improve life, not just for those who have the most skills and those who know how to manipulate the system. But also for and with those who often have so much to give but never get the opportunity..”