Remembering Dorothy Height

Last month, a renowned civil rights leader passed away. Dorothy Height (1912-2010) was an African-American educator, social worker, and social activist. She died at the age of 98.

On April 20, 2010, the nation lost one of the foremost leaders of the Civil Rights Movement and the social work profession—Dr. Dorothy I. Height. Dr. Height was a renowned civil rights leader and a vital force in the struggle for human rights and equality in the United States for more than half a century. Her tireless efforts on behalf of others exemplified the social work commitment to social justice and advocacy. In 2009, the Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act—the most comprehensive piece of federal legislation addressing social work workforce challenges—was introduced into Congress. Dr. Height is the recipient of NASW’s 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award, and her legacy was celebrated in April by the social work profession during the 2010 Social Work Congress.

The NASW President also wrote a tribute that celebrates her achievements. You can learn more about her life by watching this video.