[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 4] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 4948] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]A TRIBUTE TO DR. DOROTHY I. HEIGHT ______ HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, March 24, 2010 Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition and celebration of Dr. Dorothy I. Height on her 98th Birthday for her unwavering dedication and contributions to society. Her commitment to social work and those who are underserved have been indelible. Dorothy I. Height was born in Richmond, Virginia. At an early age, she moved with her family to Rankin, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Rankin High School. While in high school, she received a scholarship to Barnard College; however, upon her arrival, she was denied entrance. During that time, Barnard only admitted two African Americans per academic year and Ms. Height had arrived after the other two students had been admitted. She did not let this disappointment deter her; she would later attend New York University, where she earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in only four years. After college, Dr. Height worked as a teacher in Brownsville Community Center in Brooklyn, New York. She was also very active in the United Christian Youth Movement after its founding in 1935. Her undying commitment to women and families led her to her work as a case manager for the welfare department in New York. In 1937, she would join the National Council of Negro Women and her career as a pioneer in civil rights began to unfold. In 1938, Dorothy Height was one of ten young people selected to help Eleanor Roosevelt plan a World Youth Conference. Through Ms. Roosevelt, she met Mary McLeod Bethune and became involved in the National Council of Negro Women. That same year, she was hired by the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA). She worked for better conditions for black domestic workers, leading to her election to YWCA national leadership. She was active in developing its leadership training and interracial and ecumenical education programs. Throughout her career, Dr. Dorothy I. Height has remained a tireless leader in the struggle for equality and human rights for all people. Her life exemplifies her passionate commitment for a just society and her vision of a better world. She has worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Roy Wilkins, Whitney Young, A. Philip Randolph, and many others. Dr. Height has participated in virtually all of the major civil and human rights events in the 1950's and 1960's. For her tireless efforts on behalf of the less fortunate, President Ronald Reagan presented her the Citizens Medal Award for distinguished service to the country in 1989. Dr. Height is known for her extensive international and developmental education work. She initiated the sole African American private voluntary organization working in Africa in 1975. In her numerous decades of national leadership, she has served on major policy-making bodies affecting women, social welfare, economic development, civil and human rights. She has received numerous recognition and awards. Recently, she was appointed to the Advisory Council of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities by President Bush. Dr. Height has remained a model of social consistency. She has inspired me as a social worker, community organizer and policy maker. She embodies the spirit of commitment. It is with immense honor and pleasure that I recognize her historic efforts and legacy and wish her a very happy birthday. May this year bring with it all the success and fulfillment her heart desires. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Dr. Dorothy I. Height a Happy Birthday. ____________________