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Dr. Dorothy Height (1912 – 2010)
As the world prepares for this morning’s homegoing celebration for civil rights leader, educator, social activist and all around phenomenal woman, Dr. Dorothy Height, I can’t help but to wonder…who’s going to carry the weight? The unsung heroine of the civil rights era, Dr. Dorothy Height, left her stamp on the world with a fulfilling career that spanned nearly 80 years, from anti-lynching protests in the early 1930s to the inauguration of President Obama in 2009. Is it even possible to fill her shoes?
In my opinion, Dr. Height’s legacy won’t be continued through just one woman. It will be carried out by thousands, better yet, millions of women across the globe just like you and me. Isn’t this what she would have wanted? This woman was the embodiment of fearlessness, strength, grace, wisdom, beauty, determination, pride, elegance, fortitude, and so much more. The blood, sweat and tears that Dr. Height invested in both the women’s and civil rights movements throughout her life have opened, and will continue to open doors for every woman reading this post for years to come.
We owe it to Dr. Dorothy Height to be successful in our chosen careers, to be strong yet feminine in even our most challenging moments, to reach back to help a younger sister find her way, and to bring her dreams of equality to life!
*Side Note: Dr. Height’s hat game was fierce! She rocked vibrant colors like no other in a time where “business attire” was limited to blacks, blues and greys. In an era of conformity, she created her own fashion rules! Following are a few of my favorite Dr. Dorothy Height fashion moments throughout the years. Be inspired!
“Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes, but by the opposition he or she has overcome to reach his goals.”
– Dr. Dorothy Height
Rest in peace, love and strength Dr. Height. Your spirit will live in each of us forever…
As a New York City storyteller, filmmaker, digital content creator, and PR strategist, Renae Bluitt created "In Her Shoes" to empower and enlighten women committed to realizing their dreams.