The hidden architect of intersectional activism through the story of Dorothy Height
Dorothy Height, a renowned activist, established a legacy of justice and empowerment by relentlessly battling against racism, sexism, and inequality.

“Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes, but by the opposition he or she has overcome to reach his goals.” 

When Dorothy Height spoke these words aloud to 1,000 women in Washington, D.C., she planted the first of numerous milestones in her activism career. Those words marked the official opening of the Bethune Museum and Archives for Black Women—the first institution devoted entirely to Black women’s history. It was a testament to the struggle she had withstood through her relentless fight against sexism and racism.

Born in 1912 in Richmond, Virginia, Height was a natural advocate. After moving to Rankin, Pennsylvania, Height “found her place in the sisterhood,” according to her memoir, after observing Black women teaching, working and organizing together.

With her parents’ intellectual background, Height was exposed to similar clubs, where she learned the lasting value of service. With the events she directed in this preliminary environment, Height gained a newfound love for organization and interpersonal relationships. A steady confidante, her mother often reminded her to use her abilities to assist others, rather than abusing her position. 

While Height often credited her mother for her emotional and social skills, she did not understand the value of education and a career until she explored her father’s world. Since he was a popular contractor, her father’s position gave Height a touch of fame in her peer network. When young men from her school asked her about her father’s work, she realized how essential employment was. She also became aware of the limited opportunities available, particularly to young African American men. 

Exposed to the harsh realities of the world, Height quickly realized that the resources available to her were hardly sufficient for her cause. When she would discuss anti-racist and sexist policies, adults often mislabeled her and confined her to one facet of her identity. Height soon noticed that her determination was rare and that she would have to forge her own path to create justice. 

These understandings persisted throughout her high school career, where Height argued against segregation policies that prevented African American children from swimming, debating, or attending school with their caucasian counterparts. Her persistent ferocity earned her a scholarship to continue her education in college, a rare offer for women of colour at the time.

Height originally planned to attend Barnard, but their rules prohibited African Americans from attending. Faced with rejection, Height chose to attend New York University where she later earned a Bachelor’s degree in Educationbachelor’s degree in education, followed by a master’s degree in psychology, which led her to a temporary social worker position. 

Eventually, Height worked her first job as a social worker in Harlem, New York, at the Harlem Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). She quickly became a leader in the local organization and went on to create programs and expand the organization, integrating YWCA facilities across the nation.

Through her revolutionary efforts at the YWCA, Height met Mary McLeod Bethune, which inspired her to work with the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). As part of the NCNW, Height focused on reconstructing the criminal justice system and ending the lynching of African Americans. Eventually, Height became the fourth president of NCNW in 1957 and remained president for 40 years. 

For forty years, Height remained president of the NCNW, which tackled considerable relevant issues under her administration. Height was a pioneer in promoting education for young Black civil rights workers with scholarship programs designed to fit their needs. In keeping, Height also rallied for grants and voter registration to educate voters and pave the path for young women to start businesses.

With her exceptional managerial and motivational skills, Height’s efforts did not go unnoticed. Her expertise exposed her to a new role within the Civil Rights Movement, where she often served as an advisor for leading forces in the campaign. Figures like Eleanor Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Lyndon B. Johnson often sought her advice. 

Despite her critical participation in integral events, such as the March on Washington, Height once more faced the perils of sexism. Originally, women were not invited to become the faces of or speak toward the movement. Now experiencing gender discrimination, Height battled to create a space for women, especially those of colour, to express their voices. 

Her fight was deeply intersectional, extending to argue against job equality and pay parity for all women of colour. Height’s movement was never limited to a certain cause—she contended against issues in various spheres. Beginning with the importance of education for women to their apparent economic invisibility, Height became a pillar of support for multiple individuals. 

She travelled considerably, and throughout her lengthy career, she advanced her teachings to a global population. She served as a visiting professor at the University of Delhi, India, and with the Black Women’s Federation of South Africa.

In recognition of her continued efforts and service, she received many honours over the years, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal, the Presidential Citizens Medal, and the Jefferson Award for Public Service.

Height accepted many accolades, from presidents and leaders throughout the years. She held the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal, the Presidential Citizens Medal, and the Jefferson Award for Public Service. In 2004, she was even inducted into the Democracy Hall of Fame International, after which she obtained 24 honorary degrees. 

Her death in 2010, at the age of 98, marked years of constant struggle and determination. However, while she is not quite well-known among current generations, Height’s quiet power seeps into education and policies today. Her effort to introduce intellectual activism is noteworthy, especially for women of colour, who still go unrecognized. 

Dr. Dorothy Height was certainly a force to be reckoned with, emphasizing the global struggles in healthcare, education, and the workforce, which enabled unfair and discriminatory practices. Her unwavering strength and support for her community continue to serve as a reminder of true leadership. Building a framework defined by intersectionality, courage, compassion, and empathy, Height changed the world, and her spirit endures in young leaders today.