A social justice leader, a women’s rights activist, a civil rights leader, she did it all. Dorothy Height was a huge contributor to each of these causes and movements, she was the reason that the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) was fully integrated at all locations in 1946. (Dorothy Height Biography) She was also working with Eleanor Roosevelt to unite many people of different races and beliefs to “demonstrate our desire for peace and international justice.” (Height, Dorothy) Dorothy Height was an important figure in the civil rights movement because of her work with the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), as well as her involvement in many other causes.
Dorothy Height, being the women’s activist that she was, became the leader of the NCNW in the 1950s. (Height, Dorothy) Through the NCNW she focused on anti-lynching campaigns and reconstructing the criminal justice system. Height also was part of many anti-lynching campaigns starting in high school, making the eradication of lynching one of her main focuses. She also established its center for racial justice, which was her effort to eliminate racism nationally. As an African American woman, she faced numerous challenges not just because of her race, but her gender as well. Dorothy Height dedicated all her free time to these causes despite the apparent gender and racial discrimination she faced. (Itkowitz, Colby) Yet, “despite the apparent gender discrimination in the civil rights movement, Height continued working on the front lines.” (Norwood, Arlisha)
Height’s commitment to integration was evident in her work with the YWCA, where she successfully pushed for the full integration of all YWCA facilities nationwide. (Height, Dorothy) She believed that since it was an organization for Christian women, all women should be allowed to work and attend these places without segregation. Height also financially aided many civil rights workers and supported voter registration in the South. (Norwood, Arlisha) Additionally, she helped the NCNW secure grants to provide vocational training and assist women in starting businesses. Dorothy worked tirelessly to provide resources and opportunities for women and marginalized communities.
Height was vocal about her opinions on various social issues, particularly concerning education and health. She educated teens on AIDS and teen pregnancy and promoted prevention measures. (Height, Dorothy) She also advocated for black family values and independence, emphasizing the importance of self-reliance and community support. (Dorothy Height) Height believed in sharing her views on numerous matters, advocating for what she believed was right and challenging what she saw as wrong.
Height’s legacy as a civil rights worker and women’s rights activist is solidified by her lifelong commitment to these causes. Her collaboration with Eleanor Roosevelt aimed to promote equality, and her presence on stage during Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech highlights her significance in the civil rights movement. Her work with key figures and organizations demonstrates her pivotal role in the fight for equality.
Height’s contributions to the civil rights movement, the NCNW, and the YWCA are integral to her enduring legacy. She is remembered as a hardworking individual who overcame numerous obstacles. Height’s efforts provided opportunities to countless individuals who would not have had them otherwise. Her dedication and impact continue to be celebrated and remembered.
To further contextualize Dorothy Height’s contributions, it is important to examine the theoretical frameworks that underpin her work. Intersectionality, a term coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, is particularly relevant to Height’s activism. Intersectionality explores how various social identities—such as race, gender, and class—intersect to create unique experiences of oppression and privilege. Height’s activism was inherently intersectional as she navigated the dual oppressions of racism and sexism. Her work in both the civil rights and women’s rights movements underscores the interconnected nature of these struggles.
Another relevant academic theory is the concept of social capital, developed by sociologist Pierre Bourdieu. Social capital refers to the networks, relationships, and social ties that individuals and groups can leverage for support and resources. Height’s extensive network within the YWCA, NCNW, and her collaborations with figures like Eleanor Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Jr. exemplify her ability to build and utilize social capital. This network was instrumental in advancing her causes and achieving tangible social change.
Height’s efforts can also be understood through the lens of resource mobilization theory, a framework in social movement theory that emphasizes the importance of resources in the success of social movements. Resources can include money, labor, knowledge, and organizational infrastructure. Height’s ability to secure grants for the NCNW and her financial support for civil rights workers demonstrate her strategic use of resources to further her activism. This approach aligns with resource mobilization theory, which posits that the success of social movements depends on the effective acquisition and allocation of resources.
Furthermore, Height’s advocacy for racial and gender equality aligns with the principles of critical race theory (CRT). CRT examines the ways in which race and racism intersect with other forms of subordination and seeks to challenge and transform those relationships. Height’s work in integrating the YWCA and her efforts in anti-lynching campaigns reflect the CRT tenet of addressing systemic racism and promoting social justice.
In terms of her educational initiatives, Height’s approach resonates with Paulo Freire’s concept of critical pedagogy. Freire argued that education should be a practice of freedom, enabling individuals to critically engage with their social realities and enact change. Height’s educational programs on AIDS, teen pregnancy, and black family values aimed to empower individuals with knowledge and foster critical awareness, embodying Freire’s vision of education as a tool for liberation.
In conclusion, Dorothy Height’s activism is a testament to the power of intersectional and strategic social justice work. Her contributions to the civil rights and women’s rights movements, through organizations like the NCNW and YWCA, highlight her commitment to equality and social change. By examining her work through various academic theories, we gain a deeper understanding of her impact and the enduring relevance of her legacy. Height’s life and achievements continue to inspire future generations of activists, reminding us of the importance of resilience, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of justice.