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Home , Dorothy Height, Mary McLeod Bethune, Roy Wilkins

April 20, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2687 Judge CARTER pointed out, Mr. Speak- have the power to regulate commerce pand the clause that says U.S. Congress er, they were going to be forced and are with foreign nations and among the can regulate commerce to the point going to be forced to purchase health several States and with the Indian where it can regulate individual activ- insurance that has first dollar cov- tribes. The ninth amendment says the ity of human beings to the point where erage. enumeration in the Constitution of cer- it says you must buy something be- Do you think there’s any plans ulti- tain rights shall not be construed to cause it’s for the good of you and the mately to expand health savings ac- deny or disparage others of the rights good of the Nation even if you don’t counts and let young people who are retained by the people. want to buy it. That is where we are healthy, as the judge pointed out, and Remember, this Constitution starts going to go and that is the question taking care of themselves and exer- off by saying, people have certain in- they are going to have to answer. It is cising and doing all of the right things alienable rights, rights that cannot be going to be exciting to see what the to buy a health insurance policy they alienated. Granted by God, that’s what conclusion is. can afford, one with a high deductible, the Constitution says by divine provi- I have a tremendous amount of faith but a low monthly premium, and it has dence, and among those are life, liberty in the judicial system. And even catastrophic coverage, they are not and the pursuit of happiness, which though I have many times disagreed going to be permitted to do that? They means there’s more. with the U.S. Supreme Court on issues, are going to have to get these first dol- b 2140 I have always—and still to this day by lar plans by 2014, and they can’t afford the oath I took, both as a judge and the it. This Bill of Rights and the Constitu- oath we take as Members of Congress I thank the gentleman, Mr. Speaker, tion sets forth a lot of those rights, but to preserve, protect, and defend the for allowing me to share my thoughts. they’re not all the rights. Constitution against all enemies for- My colleagues, I think, know that I And remember, we go back to what eign and domestic. Now, that oath says have practiced medicine for 31 years, were they starting to do? They were the ultimate sovereignty, we declare it and I know of what I speak in regard to starting to get tyranny off our back; to be the Constitution. I have always the American people being opposed to don’t let the government impose its had confidence that our Supreme having the Federal Government come will upon us. That’s what we started Court, even when I disagreed with in lock, stock and barrel and take over out with when the first Minuteman them, over the long haul it would all be one-sixth of our economy to make deci- went to Bunker Hill and Breed’s Hill to for the good of the Constitution. I look sions that should be made in the sanc- stand up against the Red Coats. It was forward to that opinion that is going to tity of the exam room between a doctor because they felt like the government come out of the Supreme and a patient. was imposing unfair will upon the indi- Court. I look forward to the rest of your viduals in the American colonies. Tonight I have to cut this a little bit comments. And then the 10th amendment goes short. We will be back talking about Mr. CARTER. Thank you. Just going on to say, ‘‘The powers not delegated this on other days. So I thank my col- over this, this is a welcome sign for all. to the United States’’—that being the league for joining me, I thank my It may not be all the States now be- Federal Government—‘‘by the Con- other colleagues for listening, and I cause more have joined in. Let’s just stitution nor prohibited to it by the yield back the balance of my time. States are reserved to the States re- look real quickly: Washington, Colo- f rado, Nevada, Texas, Idaho, North Da- spectfully or to the people.’’ So in kota, Arizona, , Nebraska, other words, the rights that they don’t ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER South Dakota, Utah, Michigan, Penn- deal with here belong to the States. PRO TEMPORE sylvania, Virginia, Indiana, South And if the States are not going to be in The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Mis- charge of those rights, then back to the Chair will remind all persons in the sissippi and Florida. people. This is a hard concept because gallery that they are here as guests of That’s a pretty good gallery of the some people sitting at home and some the House and that any manifestation States, and it’s not just one region. It’s people in this body are going to say, of approval or disapproval of pro- across the country, and it’s because the how do the people have rights that the ceedings or other audible conversation American people are being affected government is not protecting? Well, is in violation of the rules of the across the country. Ultimately, the they do. In fact, they took up arms House. courage of these attorneys general will once—and some would argue twice—in f stand up for every American citizen on our Nation’s history because of rights this issue, and I commend them, and I that people thought they had as indi- MEMORIALIZING congratulate them, and I am looking viduals. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under forward to in some small way if I can So this is part of this revolutionary the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- work with them, because I think it’s an republican society that we created. We uary 6, 2009, the gentlewoman from important thing. created a republic and we were created California (Ms. WATSON) is recognized The gentleman mentioned expert. out of a revolution. So we are fighting for 60 minutes. You know, we say in the legal position a basic argument, a basic constitu- GENERAL LEAVE an expert is a guy from out of town tional argument that goes forward be- Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, I ask with a briefcase. I have seen that in the fore the Supreme Court sometime unanimous consent that all Members courtroom a lot, and I would have to hopefully in an expedited manner. And may have 5 legislative days in which to say I agree with that in some in- I agree with my friend, Mr. GINGREY, revise and extend their remarks and stances. No, we are all in some form ex- that expediting this is important for exclude extraneous materials on the perts on the Constitution because we the American people. subject of memorializing Dorothy can all stick one in our back pocket I guess if there is ever anything writ- Height. and carry it around and we can read it ten into a bill that turns out to be good The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there and we can learn what it says. In fact, news of this bill, it’s that it does not objection to the request of the gentle- that’s kind of what’s going on in the get implemented until 2014, which woman from California? country right now. An awful lot of the means it kind of gets past a couple of There was no objection. people are getting themselves a Con- election cycles where it might be an Ms. WATSON. Mr. Speaker, we come stitution and they are reading it. I issue before it actually starts hap- with heavy hearts today to memori- said, wait a minute, this thing was to pening to us, which gives these Attor- alize a woman who made such a great restrict government. This doesn’t re- neys General the opportunity to carry impact on us who passed away early strict government. this through the court system and this morning. One of the arguments is being made, hopefully to the Supreme Court so the Dorothy Height was a founding ma- making the ninth and 10th amendment Supreme Court can give us an opinion triarch of the American civil rights the commerce clause. The commerce about this particular health care bill movement whose crusade for racial jus- clause says the U.S. Congress shall and whether or not we are going to ex- tice and gender equality spanned more

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:36 Jul 08, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD10\RECFILES\H20AP0.REC H20AP0 mmaher on DSKD5P82C1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H2688 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 20, 2010 than six decades. She fought for equal In 1974, Dr. Height was named to the first college for colored girls. My rights for both American Americans National Council for the Protection of grandmother used to talk about her all and women. She was among the coali- Human Subjects of Biomedical and Be- the time. I finally found out that she tion of African American leaders who havioral Research, which published the went to school with Mary McLeod Be- pushed civil rights to the center of the Belmont Report, which was a response thune when she lived and had her first American political stage after World to the infamous Tuskegee Syphilis child in Florida, and so I always War II and she was a key figure in the Study and an international ethical thought that Mary McLeod Bethune struggle for school desegregation, vot- touchstone for researchers to this day. was an aunt. I was so disappointed ing rights, employment opportunities, American leaders regularly took her when I found out she wasn’t related. and public accommodations in the fif- counsel, including First Lady Eleanor She talked about the line of Judah. ties and the sixties. Roosevelt. Dr. Height also encouraged That was Haile Selassie, and they feel In high school, Dorothy was awarded President Dwight D. Eisenhower to de- that most black people were descend- a scholarship to for segregate schools and President Lyn- ants of Haile Selassie. My grandmother her oratory skills, yet upon arrival she don B. Johnson to appoint African talked about Mrs. Roosevelt. She also was denied entrance. At the time, Bar- American women to positions in gov- talked about Marcus Garvey and that nard admitted only two African Ameri- ernment. back-to-Africa movement. cans per academic year, and Height had I remember her telling me a story All of these were powerful figures in arrived after the other two had already that the location of her office and their the history of black people here in been admitted. At its 1980 commence- office building right now down on 7th America. So, when we would see Dr. ment ceremonies, Barnard College Street, where you can see the Capitol Height, regardless of how ill she was— awarded Height its highest honor, the in the background, was the last place but her mind was sharp—she would Barnard Medal of Distinction. She also that they retrieved two young African bring forth this history that we could went to and re- sisters who were running away from only read about. ceived a master’s degree in educational slavery. They brought them back and Dorothy Height had served on the ad- psychology and eventually became the sold them off of the spot which is an visory council of the Ini- recipient of no fewer than 36 honorary historical preservative for her National tiative on Historically Black Colleges doctorates. Conference of Negro Women. What and Universities and on the National Dr. Dorothy Height began her career irony. She was that great lady who Advisory Council on Aging. Wasn’t as a caseworker for the could see into the future, and I think that wonderful. She lived to 98. She Welfare Department. In 1944, Dr. that property just beckoned to her. passed this morning. Height joined the national staff of the When she turned 90 years old, I was On 24, 2004, her 92nd birthday, YWCA and she was instrumental in there at her birthday celebration here she received the Congressional Gold bringing about an interracial charter in Washington, D.C. They had pur- Medal, the highest decoration Congress for in 1946. chased property that was very, very ex- can bestow, and I am so proud to say that I was the author of the bill that Dr. Height also served as National pensive, but they were able to get it for gave her the Gold Medal. As I cir- President of Soror- $8 million. came, and culated around these Chambers, I went ity from 1946 to 1947 and developed she said, I understand that you owe $5 leadership training programs and inter- to that side of the aisle and would sit million. She said, Well, I have some- racial and ecumenical education pro- next to various Members and would tell thing with me that I think will help grams. them, I am carrying the Gold Medal you. She gave a check for $2.5 million. In 1957, Dr. Dorothy Height was bill for Dr. Dorothy Height. named President of the National Coun- Now deduct that from the $5 million. They would ask, Who is Dr. Dorothy cil of Negro Women, a position she held Then she proceeded that evening to go Height? for 40 years, in which she emphasized around the room and get those who I’d get very quiet, and I’d say, I’m self-help and self-reliance, including were lobbyists, those who were advo- going to tell you who she is, but you’d programs in nutrition, childcare, hous- cates, to commit to paying off the bal- better not let other people know you ing, and career counseling. ance. Within a few months’ time, every don’t know who Dorothy Height is. She During civil rights struggles in the penny of that property was paid for. proceeded , and she was 19 1960s, Dr. Dorothy Height helped or- What a story. years old when Mary McLeod Bethune chestrate strategy with movement It used to be Sears, the headquarters handed her the mantle of leadership. leaders, including Reverend Dr. Martin for Sears. As you know, that’s in Chi- She took it at age 19 and held it until Luther King, Jr., , A. Phil- cago now, but the history of the prop- her demise. Of course she had to have lip Randolph, , James erty and where she still went when she other people take over after she re- was able to get there was the place Farmer, , and JOHN tired. they sold the last two young African LEWIS. I knew her story because my grand- During the 1960s, Dr. Dorothy Height women into slavery. I thought it was mother related it to me. She started organized ‘‘Wednesdays in ,’’ important to let you know the spir- telling me about it when I was 3 years which brought together black and itual impact, the special gifts that she old. My sister, 18 months older than I, white women from the North and had for using her judgment to make would have to sit there, too. She is de- South to create a dialogue of under- the right decisions. ceased now. My grandmother read us standing. In 1994, President award- the newspaper. She could have read it In the mid-1960s, Dr. Height wrote a ed her the Presidential Medal of Free- upside down, sideways or bottom up, column entitled ‘‘A Woman’s Word’’ for dom, which is the Nation’s highest ci- but I remembered what she said be- the weekly African American news- vilian honor. The musical stage play, cause, traditionally, the story of our paper, the . ‘‘If This Hat Could Talk,’’ is based on history was Aro, and that’s why I took her memoirs. ‘‘Open Wide the Freedom great pride after I entered these most 2150 b Gates’’ is the name of her book of honored Chambers to pay tribute to a In the 1970s and 1980s, the National memories. It showcases her unique per- woman who is part of all of our his- Council of Negro Women helped orga- spective on , tory. nize and operate development projects and it details many of the behind-the- Dr. Dorothy Height was the chair- in African countries. Because of her ex- scenes figures and mentors who shaped person of the Executive Committee on perience and depth of knowledge, she her life. the Leadership Conference on Civil later served on a number of commit- My mother is now 100. I am reminded Rights, the largest civil rights organi- tees, including as a consultant on Afri- that my grandmother, her mother, zation in the United States of America. can affairs to the Secretary of State, used to sit us down at her feet. Because Dr. Dorothy Height was an honored on the President’s Committee on the most of the history of Africa is Aro, guest and was seated among the dig- Employment of the Handicapped, and she used to tell us these stories of nitaries at the inauguration of our cur- on the President’s Committee on the Mary McLeod Bethune. Mary McLeod rent President, , on Jan- Status of Women. Bethune, out of Florida, started the uary 20, 2009.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:36 Jul 08, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD10\RECFILES\H20AP0.REC H20AP0 mmaher on DSKD5P82C1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 20, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2689 b 2200 that could be explosive. So Dorothy But you can’t replicate Dorothy She helped create and organize the Height had a way of not only managing Height. We can hope that someone Black Family Reunion celebration held herself, but managing those around takes her place who will honor the con- annually since 1985. These gatherings her. tributions that she has made and give were intended to honor the traditions, I heard Congresswoman WATSON as I leadership to the National Council of the strengths, and the history of Afri- was coming in talking about the Black Negro Women in a manner that she can American families, while seeking Family Reunions. And they stand out would be proud of, but no one can actu- solutions to such social problems as as part of her tremendous work. At a ally take her place. teen pregnancy, drug abuse, and vio- time when black families were being I stand here this evening to say that lence. She attended these National demonized, being talked about as dys- Dorothy Height not only was special Black Family Reunions celebrated on functional, she not only showed that and one of a kind; I loved her. I honor the National Mall in Washington, DC, we are a people who care and love our the time that I was able to spend with every year until her death this morn- families, but we came out to these her. I honor the birthday celebrations ing. great reunions in very special ways. I that I was able to go to. I honor the Her death was something that we all remember seeing young black males times that she attended all of the chap- feel so terrible about. We mourn her carrying their babies, and I remember ter meetings across this country and I loss, but she leaves us a great legacy; seeing young children being held by the happened to be in some city or some and we all stand on her shoulders. She hand by their grandmothers. So the State where she was where I attended had the insight to keep our families to- mothers and the fathers, the sisters those chapter meetings. I honor having gether. Because when we were kid- and the brothers, the uncles and the known her because I think it certainly napped off of the continent, when they aunts, everybody came out to these gave me not only insight into what she brought us here to America, they sepa- tremendous family reunions. And I can was all about, but the inspiration that rated husband and wife and took the recall not only attending in Wash- she provided for me and the lessons babies away from their mothers’ ington, DC, but in my hometown of Los that I learned from her. breasts and sold them for more prop- Angeles. I was there with Dorothy So this evening I simply say that we erty. And she knew that strength was Height, number one, because I re- wish her journey to heaven to be the with unity. And when you can bring spected her, I admired her; but she ex- kind of journey where she will cer- families together, then you can be em- pected me to be there. tainly rest in peace and get the rest powered. We were friends for many, many that she so richly deserves. But we So we owe so much to Dr. Dorothy years, dating back to our struggles in want her family to know, and all of Height. And we pay tribute to her the Carter administration, when we those who perhaps didn’t know her, strength, her vision, her dedication, had created the International Women’s how much she has meant not only to and her brilliance. Her voice will never Year. And we all convened in , women and to the civil rights move- die out. We will continue to hear it Texas, to create the Women’s Commis- ment, but to this country. And we want when we talk about equality and jus- sion that was appointed by Carter. I to honor her in this very, very special tice and opportunity and fairness. was there as a young woman long be- way on the floor of Congress so that it With that, Madam Speaker, I would fore I came on the national scene and will be recorded in the CONGRESSIONAL like to call up the most distinguished helped to organize on that floor the RECORD, adding to all of the other ways Member of Congress from , final statements that we delivered to that she will be etched into the history MAXINE WATERS, for as much time as President Carter that created the Na- of this country and this world. she might consume. tional Women’s Commission. Thank you, Dorothy, for having Ms. WATERS. Thank you very, very As a matter of fact, Dorothy Height served. Thank you for having led us. much Congresswoman DIANE WATSON. has been at the center of every signifi- Thank you for having been the kind of Thank you for taking out this hour to cant development on behalf of women. public servant who helped this country remember Dr. Dorothy Height. I appre- Not only did she work in the civil to be a better country. ciate the fact that you not only orga- rights movement, she worked for I yield back the balance of my time. nized this time, but you understood women. And she has been there in Ms. WATSON. I want to thank you, how important it is for all of us who those struggles working with the Na- Representative WATERS, for your asso- knew her, who loved her, who worked tional Organization for Women, the Na- ciation over the years with her and fol- with her to just stop and remember her tional Women’s Political Caucus, all of lowing in her footsteps. You know, we in this very, very special way. those organizations that sprung up all joined hands together because I When I learned of her death, I imme- when we finally began to realize that think those family reunions were a diately thought about March 24, 2004. we had power and we could exercise very special moment in our commu- That is when she received the great power and influence not only in helping nities. recognition from the Congress of the to advance women in this country, but 2210 United States, receiving the Gold advance public policy as it related to b Medal, the highest civilian award that women and families. And we remind each other of the im- can be given to a United States citizen. So Dr. Dorothy Height, who sat at portance of our family bonds, and we I remembered that because when that the foot of Mary McLeod Bethune, the show this country that we can stay to- ceremony took place I remember greatest educator that ever involved gether and our families are not dys- watching her and reflecting on all that herself in education in this country, functional. And that’s what she stood she had done for this country. had a great impact on Dorothy Height. for. And so I thank you for your words I remember not only the fact that And Dorothy Height was a big sup- this evening. she was the one woman in the civil porter of education. And she often told And I have asked that all of these rights movement that was dominated of the stories of Dr. Mary McLeod Be- statements be recorded. And as we by men who sat in on the discussions thune. She often shared with us the close out this late hour, I just want to about the civil rights legislation, the very special moments she had with her say that we have had the privilege to voting rights legislation, and this was and the kind of influence that she had live at a time when such a great, great at a time when women were not wel- on her and her leadership. woman whose ancestry emanated from comed at the helm of the civil rights So she is gone. And there are those what we call the Dark Continent, lived movement, but Dorothy Height was a who are asking who is going to take among us, taught among us, and very special woman. And I am sure her place. Well, no one can really take touched us all. May God rest her soul. that no matter what some of the men her place. There is no other and will be The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a thought, they couldn’t have turned her no other like Dorothy Height. Of previous order of the House, the gentle- down because of her special way of han- course there are many brilliant women. woman from California (Ms. LEE) is dling situations. She was a highly cul- There are visionary women. There are recognized for 5 minutes. tured woman, articulate, refined, and articulate women. There are women Ms. LEE of California. Madam always able to help temper situations who can manage at the highest levels. Speaker, today we lost an American

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:36 Jul 08, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD10\RECFILES\H20AP0.REC H20AP0 mmaher on DSKD5P82C1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H2690 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 20, 2010 treasure with the passing of Dr. Doro- New York City to prepare women for trust and confidence of her peers. It was dur- thy Irene Height, a matriarch of the entry into jobs and careers. During her ing this period that she began to emerge as , a staunch advo- tenure as president of NCNW, they an effective civil rights advocate as she cate for women’s rights, and an all- were able to buy a beautiful building worked to prevent , desegregate the around phenomenal woman. just a few blocks from here on Pennsyl- armed forces, reform the criminal justice sys- Dr. Height was a bold and brilliant vania Avenue. And to this day it is the tem, and provide free access to public accom- African American woman who blazed only African American-owned building modations. In 1935, Dorothy Height was ap- many trials and opened many doors to on , which is on pointed by New York government officials to the American Dream for women and the site where slave traders legally op- deal with the aftermath of the Harlem riot of people of color. Tonight I join with erated a center slave market, and 1935. people around the world as we mourn where in 1848, 76 slaves, including As Vice President of the United Christian the death and celebrate the life of Dr. Emily and Mary Edmondson, at- Youth Movement of North America, Dorothy Height. tempted to escape to the Underground Height was one of only ten American youth Throughout her life, Dr. Height wore Railroad. delegates to the 1937 World Conference on many hats, both literally and figu- Dr. Height said, and this is Dr. Life and Work of the Churches held in Oxford, ratively. She wore them with elegance Height’s quote, she said, ‘‘It seems England. Two years later she was selected to and dignity, with excellence and deter- providential that we stand today on represent the YWCA at the World Conference mination. From her legendary steward- the shoulders of our ancestors with an of Christian Youth in Amsterdam, Holland. ship as the national president of Delta opportunity to claim the site and sus- It was in 1937, while serving as Assistant Sigma Theta sorority to her unprece- tain a strong presence for freedom and Executive Director of the Harlem YWCA, that dented 41-year tenure at the helm of for justice.’’ Dorothy Height met Mary McLeod Bethune, the National Council of Negro Women, I tell you Dr. Height remained a founder and president of the National Council Dr. Height was a woman of courage and fighter until her last breath. Last year of Negro Women (NCNW). Mrs. Bethune was strength. she attended President Barack immediately impressed with young Dorothy Dr. Height’s commitment to equality Obama’s first signing of the Lilly Height’s poise and intelligence and invited her was reflected in so many of her pur- Ledbetter Act, his first bill he signed to join the NCNW and assist in the quest for suits. In the 1930s, for example, Dr. into law. She was present here for the women’s rights to full and equal employment, Height traveled across the United unveiling of the Shirley Chisolm por- pay and education. States to encourage YWCA chapters to trait and the bust of In 1938, Dorothy Height was one of ten implement interracial charters. After here in the Capitol. She worked dili- young Americans invited by dedicating more than 60 years of her gently on various issues with the Black to come to Hyde Park NY to help plan and life to the YWCA, Dr. Height remained Women’s Roundtable and the Black prepare for the World Youth Conference to be proudest of her efforts to direct the Leadership Forum and often partici- held at Vassar College. YWCA’s attention to the issues of civil pated in panels here on Capitol Hill. For the next several years, Dorothy Height rights and racial justice. She was com- Just recently, she joined us in our ef- served in a dual role: as a YWCA staff mem- mitted to this work. In fact, Dr. Height forts to support the 2010 census. We al- ber and NCNW volunteer, integrating her train- was the first director of its new Center ways knew that we were in the pres- ing as a social worker and her commitment to for Racial Justice. This was in 1965. I ence of greatness. And we always knew, rise above the limitations of race and sex. She believe it was in New York. Imagine, especially now as Chair of the Congres- rose quickly through the ranks of the YWCA, though, the resistance that she felt and sional Black Caucus, that Dr. Height, from working at the Emma Ransom House in that she was faced with in her efforts when we called, she would be there to Harlem to the Executive Directorship of the to desegregate the YWCA in the 1930s. support us. Phyllis Wheatley YWCA in Washington, DC to As the leader of the United Christian We mourn the loss tonight of Dr. the YWCA National headquarters office. Youth Movement of North America, Height. We celebrate her life and her For thirty-three years, from 1944 through Dr. Height worked to desegregate the legacy. We love you, Dr. Height, and we 1977, Dorothy Height served on the staff of Armed Forces, prevent lynching, re- promise to continue your legacy of the National Board of the YWCA and held form the criminal justice system, and service to humankind. May your soul several leadership positions in public affairs establish free access to public accom- rest in peace. and leadership training and as Director of the modations. At a time when racial seg- Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Madam National YWCA School for Professional Work- regation was the standard and resist- Speaker, I to pay tribute to a national treasure ers. In 1965, she was named Director of the ance to integration was often very and icon who passed early this morning. I am Center for Racial Justice, a position she held fierce, Dr. Height forever remained speaking, of course, of the incomparable, irre- until her retirement. true to her convictions, even when it pressible, and legendary Dorothy Irene Height. In 1952, Dorothy Height lived in , was not the comfortable thing to do. For more than half a century, Dorothy Height where she worked as a visiting professor in A lifelong advocate for peace, equal- has played a leading role in the never-ending the Delhi School of Social Work at the Univer- ity, and justice, Dr. Height was espe- struggle for equality and human rights here at sity of Delhi, which was founded by the cially committed to empowering home and around the world. Her life exempli- YWCAs of India, Burma and Ceylon. She women and girls. She stood toe to toe fies her passionate commitment for a just soci- would become renowned for her internation- with the great male civil rights giants ety and her vision of a better world. alism and humanitarianism. She traveled of our time, steadfast in her dedication Dorothy Height was born in Richmond, Vir- around the world expanding the work of the to ensure that black women’s needs ginia March 24, 1912, and educated in the YWCA. She conducted a well-received study were addressed. She was forever dedi- public schools of Rankin, Pennsylvania, a bor- of the training of women’s organizations in five cated to helping women achieve full ough of , where her family moved African countries: , Ghana, Guinea, Si- and equal employment, pay, and edu- when she was four. She established herself erra Leone, and Nigeria under the Committee cation. early as a dedicated student with exceptional of Correspondence. Dr. Height was instrumental in es- oratorical skills. After winning a $1,000 schol- Dorothy Height loved and led her sorority, tablishing a multicultural ‘‘Wednes- arship in a national oratorical contest on the Delta Sigma Theta. She was elected National days in Mississippi.’’ This was a pro- United States Constitution, sponsored by the President of the sorority in 1947 and served in gram to assist and Fraternal Order of the Elks, and a compiling a that capacity until 1956. She led the sorority to voter registration drives. She knew distinguished academic record, she enrolled in a new level of organizational development, ini- that the fight for racial justice and for New York University where she earned both tiation eligibility, and social action throughout women’s equality go hand in hand. her bachelor and master’s degrees in just four her term. Her leadership training skills, social As the national president of the Na- years. She continued her postgraduate studies work background and knowledge of vol- tional Council of Negro Women, Dr. at and the New York unteerism benefited the sorority as it moved Height led the NCNW in helping women School of Social Work. into a new era of activism on the national and and families combat hunger. She also In 1933, Dorothy Height joined the United international scene. established the Women’s Center for Christian Youth Movement of North America In 1957, Dorothy Height was elected the Education and Career Achievement in where her leadership qualities earned her the fourth National President of NCNW and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:36 Jul 08, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD10\RECFILES\H20AP0.REC H20AP0 mmaher on DSKD5P82C1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 20, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2691 served in that position for 40 years, when she Established the Black Family Reunion Cele- movement—Dr. Martin Luther King, Whitney became Chair of the Board and President bration in 1986 to reinforce the historic Young, A. Philip Randolph, , Emerita. strengths and traditional values of the Black Roy Wilkins, and . She served in In 1960, Dorothy Height was the woman family. many leadership roles with prominent groups team member leader in the United Civil Rights Among the major awards bestowed upon such as the Leadership Conference on Civil Leadership along with Dr. Martin Luther King, Dorothy Irene Height in gratitude and appre- Rights, National Council of Negro Women, Jr., Whitney H. Young, A. Philip Randolph, ciation for her service to our nation and the and the YWCA. James Farmer, Roy Wilkins and John Lewis. world are the following: Among her many awards, Dr. Height was In 1961, while Dorothy Height was partici- Presidential Medal of Freedom presented by awarded the Presidential Citizens Medal, the pating in major Civil Rights leadership, she led President Bill Clinton; Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Con- NCNW to deal with unmet needs among Congressional Gold Medal presented by gressional Gold Medal on behalf of the US women and their families to combat hunger, President George W. Bush; Congress—our nation’s highest honors be- develop cooperative pig banks, provided fami- John F. Kennedy Memorial Award; stowed upon extraordinary citizens like Dr. lies with community freezers and showers. NAACP—; Height. In 1964, after the passage of the Civil Hadassah Myrtle Wreath of Achievement; Dr. Height passed away on April 20, 2010. Rights Act, Dorothy Height with Polly Cowan, Ministerial Interfaith Association Award; It is with deep sadness that I offer my condo- an NCNW Board Member, organized teams of Ladies Home Journal—Woman of the Year; lences to her family, friends, and to the many women of different races and faith as Congressional Black Caucus—Decades of lives touched by Dr. Height. ‘‘Wednesdays in Mississippi’’ to assist in the Service; Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. freedom schools and open communication be- President Ronald Reagan—Citizens Medal; Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tween women of difference races. The work- Franklin Roosevelt—Freedom Medal life and achievements of a trailblazing civil shops which followed stressed the need for Essence Award; and rights leader and dedicated American citizen, decent housing which became the basis for The Camille Cosby World of Children Dr. Dorothy I. Height. NCNW in partnership with the Department of Award. Dr. Height was born on March 24, 1912 in Housing and Urban Development to develop Dorothy Height was also elected to the Na- Virginia and spent her formative years in Turnkey III Home Ownership for low income tional Women’s Hall of Fame and is the recipi- Pennsylvania. She completed a degree at families in Gulfport, Mississippi. ent of thirty-six honorary degrees from col- New York University in 1932 and a year later In 1970, Dorothy Height directed the series leges and universities as diverse as: received a master’s degree in educational psy- of activities culminating in the YWCA Conven- , Harvard University, chology. She would spend the rest of her life tion adopting as its ‘‘One Imperative’’ to the Spelman College, Princeton University, Ben- active in the civil rights movement working dili- elimination of racism. That same year she also nett College, Pace University, Lincoln Univer- gently to ensure that every American was established the Women’s Center for Education sity, Columbia University, Howard University, treated equally and fairly. and Career Advancement in New York City to New York University, Morehouse College, and As a natural leader, Dr. Height led the Na- prepare women for entry level jobs. This expe- Meharry Medical College. tional Council of Negro Women for forty years rience led her in 1975 to collaborate with Pace Madam Speaker, Dorothy Height has wit- from 1957 to 1997. Her service and dedication College to establish a course of study leading nessed or participated in virtually every major to both this organization and all African-Ameri- to the Associate Degree for Professional Stud- movement for social and political change in cans were tireless, and she will forever be re- ies (AAPS). the last century. For nearly 75 years, Dorothy membered as one of the most influential and In 1975, Dorothy Height participated in the Height has fought for the equality and human important women in the civil rights movement. Tribunal at the International Women’s Year rights of all people. She was the only female In 1963, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave Conference of the in Mexico member of the ‘‘Big 6’’ civil rights leaders his famous ‘‘’’ speech, Dr. City. As a result of this experience, NCNW (Whitney Young, Jr., A. Philip Randolph, Mar- Height stood mere feet from him as he ad- was awarded a grant from the United States tin Luther King, Jr., James Farmer, and Roy dressed the crowded mall that day. Four and Agency for International Development (USAID) Wilkins). Her vision and dedication made a half decades later, she would hear the to hold a conference within the conference for NCNW the premier organization in advocating echoes of the civil rights movement resound in women from the United States, African coun- for the health, education and economic em- the inauguration of Barack Obama, America’s tries, South America, Mexico and the Carib- powerment for all women of African descent first African-American President. Truly, she bean. This was followed with a site visit with around the world. saw some of the most famous and unique 50 of the women to visit with rural women in Thank you, Dorothy Height, for your service events of the last century, many of which were Mississippi. Under the auspices of the USAID, to our nation. You have made America a bet- due in large part to her work and efforts. Dorothy Height lectured in South Africa after ter place for all persons of all races, religions, Dr. Height was the recipient of countless addressing the National Convention of the nd backgrounds. You have mentored hun- awards throughout her lifetime including the Black Women’s Federation of South Africa dreds, been a role model to thousands, and a Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Con- near Johannesburg (1977). Since 1986, she hero to millions. You are an American original. gressional Gold Medal. She received 36 hon- has worked tirelessly to strengthen the Black I am glad to count you as a friend. orary doctorate degrees from various univer- family. Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today Madam Speaker, under the leadership of sities across the country, and additionally, to express my condolences on the passing of Dorothy Height: met, spoke with, and offered counsel to Presi- NCNW achieved tax-exempt status in 1966; Dr. Dorothy Irene Height. Born March 24, dents from Eisenhower to Obama. NCNW dedicated the statue of Mary 1912, in Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Height went Madam Speaker, America and the world McLeod Bethune in Lincoln Park, Washington on to become one of the most influential civil has lost a giant with the passing of Dr. Doro- D.C. in 1974; the first woman to be so hon- rights activists and a symbol of African Amer- thy Height. I will remember her as a woman of ored on public land in the Nation’s Capital; ican advancement in the United States. conviction who fought and worked until her Developed model national and community- After graduating with a Master’s degree in final days at 98 years old. Truly, we have ben- based programs ranging from teen-age par- psychology from New York University, Dr. efitted immensely because of her, and we owe enting to pig ‘‘banks’’—which addressed hun- Height continued her early career with post- her a deep debt of gratitude for giving every- ger in rural areas; graduate work at Columbia University and the thing she could so that our country might be Established the Bethune Museum and Ar- New York School of Social Work. In her life- better and fairer. I ask my fellow colleagues to chives for Black Women, the first institution time, she eventually received 36 Honorary join me today in honoring her and remem- devoted to black women’s history; Doctorate Degrees, along with a plethora of bering her dedication to the American people. Established the Bethune Council House as awards in recognition of her outstanding work Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today a national historic site; in the field. in mourning of Dorothy Height—a dynamic, re- Transformed NCNW into an issue-oriented In 1937, she was invited to join the National silient spirit who served as the matriarch and political organization, sponsoring ‘‘Wednes- Council of Negro Women in her quest for female voice of the 1960s Civil Rights Move- days in Mississippi’’ when interracial groups of women’s rights to full and equal employment, ment—and in celebration of a career that women would help out at Freedom Schools; pay and education. This is when her career as spanned eight decades, beginning as a teen- organizing voter registration drives in the civil rights activist began. She fought for equal ager in the budding United Christian Youth South; and fostering communications between rights for both and women Movement. By her 20s, she was the group’s black and white women. alongside of the of the civil rights leader in campaigns against and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:36 Jul 08, 2010 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD10\RECFILES\H20AP0.REC H20AP0 mmaher on DSKD5P82C1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE H2692 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 20, 2010 segregation in the Armed Forces, including a president of the historically black Delta Sigma Work in India, as National President of the stint as the lead in dealing with the outcome Theta Sorority, where she developed pro- Delta Sigma Theta sorority, and as the fourth of the Harlem riot in 1935. Her meteoric rise grams that promoted education and leadership President of the NCNW. Her forty-year tenure to influence came as president of the National among African-American women. as President of the NCNW was the highlight of Council of Negro Women (NCNW), a post she Dr. Height is often referred to as the ‘‘god- her distinguished career. retained for three decades. In an era of racial mother of the Civil Rights Movement ‘‘ due to In addition to her tireless work for racial jus- tension and the march towards greater minor- her founding role in the Movement and her tice and gender equality, she served on the ity rights, Height set herself apart as a pio- consistent voice of guidance and inspiration in advisory council of the White House Initiative neer, marching with Martin Luther King, Jr., A. the fight against discrimination. Dr. Height on Historically Black Colleges and Universities Phillip Randolph, and my esteemed colleague, fought to desegregate public schools, obtain and the National Advisory Council on Aging. Rep. JOHN LEWIS. Forty years ago, she stood voting rights for African-Americans, and en- Along with her 36 honorary doctorates from alongside King, a marble and limestone Lin- sure equality for women of all races. Dr. colleges and universities, she is a recipient of coln, and a reflecting pool, as he announced Height marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther the Congressional Gold Medal, and the Presi- a dream he had of a more perfect union. She King and gave advice to Presidents Dwight Ei- dential Medal of Freedom. not only stood at the precipice of history, she senhower and Lyndon Johnson on civil rights Although she received many accolades, she helped carve out a significant and indelible and women’s rights issues. did not put forth her best efforts to achieve no- part of it. Dr. Height’s amazing and inspirational work toriety or fame. She said, ‘‘Stop worrying The cause of her life proved to be dealing has been honored by our nation’s most pres- about whose name gets in the paper and start with the unmet needs of the downtrodden and tigious awards. In 1994, President Bill Clinton doing something . . . We must try to take our forgotten. As president of NCNW, she focused awarded Dr. Height with the Medal of Free- task more seriously and ourselves more light- on improving the lot of women and their fami- dom and in 2004, President George W. Bush ly.’’ lies, working tirelessly to combat hunger and presented her with the Congressional Gold Dr. Dorothy Irene Height was a remarkable establish home ownership programs for those Medal. Dr. Height has also received the Presi- woman. Her years were long as were her ac- of low income. After 30 years at the helm of dential Citizen Medal, the Franklin Delano complishments. Leonardo da Vinci said, ‘‘As a NCNW, she became its chair and never gave Roosevelt Freedom From Want Award, the well-spent day brings happy sleep, so a life up the fight well into her late 90s. She recently Spingarn Medal from the NAACP, and the 7th well used brings happy death.’’ May Dr. Height met with President Obama as part of a group Annual Heinz Award Chairman’s Medal. sleep happily now for a life well used. of key African American leaders meeting at Dr. Height never stopped fighting for justice f and equality, and in January 2009, Dr. Height the White House for a summit on race and the LEAVE OF ABSENCE economy. In 1994, President Clinton awarded was honored as a distinguished guest at the her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and inauguration of our nation’s first African-Amer- By unanimous consent, leave of ab- ten years later, this Richmond, Virginia native ican president. sence was granted to: born to working-class parents earned the high- Our country has lost a true leader and a Mr. BISHOP of Georgia (at the request est civilian and most distinguished award pre- beacon of social justice. I extend my deepest of Mr. HOYER) for today. sented by this Congress, the Congressional condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas Gold Medal. Dorothy Height, as they grieve the loss of this (at the request of Mr. HOYER) for today. Dorothy Height taught us all—women and special individual. All Americans mourn her Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan (at the men of all faiths and races—to never relent in loss, but we take solace in the certain knowl- request of Mr. HOYER) for today. the struggle for equality. With a steel spine, edge that our country is better because of her. f grit, and determination, she lent a powerful fe- Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED rise today to honor the incredible life and leg- male voice to a movement that needed her By unanimous consent, permission to acy of a great leader in the Civil Rights Move- personal grace and perseverance. She had no address the House, following the legis- ment and a dear friend and neighbor, Dr. tolerance for sitting idly by or leaving the hard lative program and any special orders Dorothy Irene Height, who passed away this work for generations that followed, famously heretofore entered, was granted to: morning, at the age of 98. noting that ‘‘if the time is not ripe, we have to (The following Members (at the re- Dr. Height was always elegant, full of grace ripen the time.’’ May we carry that sentiment quest of Ms. WOOLSEY) to revise and ex- and poise, naturally commanding attention. and her uplifting spirit as we face the chal- tend their remarks and include extra- She led an extraordinary life fighting for civil lenges that confront us as a nation. She will neous material:) rights and women’s rights. Her fight began be missed, but the power of her life’s work will Ms. WOOLSEY, for 5 minutes, today. when she was denied entrance into college not: it will continue to inspire and motivate us Ms. LEE of California, for 5 minutes, for generations to come. because the school had filled its annual quota today. Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise of black students, and she never gave up the Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, for 5 today to remember and honor the legacy of fight. minutes, today. Dr. Dorothy Height, who passed away this Over the years, she continued the fight for Ms. KAPTUR, for 5 minutes, today. morning at the age of 98. As one of the most justice and equality for all Americans. In fact, Mr. DEFAZIO, for 5 minutes, today. significant figures of the Civil Rights Move- Dr. Height was on stage at the Lincoln Memo- Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas, for 5 min- ment, Dr. Dorothy Height was a true American rial with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when utes, today. heroine. Dr. Height spent her entire life fight- he delivered his ‘‘I Have a Dream’’ speech. (The following Members (at the re- ing injustice and discrimination, and, in doing She was in Birmingham, Alabama to comfort quest of Mr. POE of Texas) to revise and so, helped make our society more equitable the families of the four African-American girls extend their remarks and include ex- and tolerant. who perished in the bombing of the Sixteenth traneous material:) Dr. Dorothy Height was born in Richmond, Street Baptist Church. She watched as Presi- Mr. POE of Texas, for 5 minutes, April Virginia in 1912, a setting in which racism and dent John F. Kennedy signed the Equal Pay 26 and 27. sexism were the norm. However, Dr. Height Act to eliminate wage disparity based on sex. Mr. POSEY, for 5 minutes, April 22. did not let this oppressive environment prevent She also helped create and organize the Mr. JONES, for 5 minutes, April 26 and her from following her dreams. After being de- Black Family Reunion Celebration, and was 27. nied entrance to Barnard College due to a among the few women present at the Million Mr. BURTON of Indiana, for 5 minutes, quota allowing only two African-American stu- Man March in 1995. today and April 21, 22, and 23. dents per class, she enrolled at New York Uni- Throughout her life, she befriended count- Mr. MORAN of Kansas, for 5 minutes, versity, where she earned a Master’s degree less people as she strove for justice. Among April 26 and 27. in educational psychology. her many friends were the American educator Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, for 5 minutes, Although Dr. Height began her career as a and National Council of Negro Women today and April 21. caseworker, she soon felt called to the arena (NCNW) founder Mary McLeod Bethune, First Mr. ROHRABACHER, for 5 minutes, of social justice and joined the National Coun- Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and Dr. King, to today. cil of Negro Women. In 1957, Dr. Height was name a few. Ms. FOXX, for 5 minutes, today. (The elected President of the National Council of Dr. Height also served as the Director of the following Member (at his own request) Negro Women and proudly served in that post YWCA’s Center for Racial Justice, as a vis- to revise and extend his remarks and for 40 years. Dr. Height also served as the iting professor at the Delhi School of Social include extraneous material:)

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