Jon L. Christensen: “what an awesome privilege for me to have found myself in the presence of Dr. Dorothy Height--a brilliant woman, a woman…”

“what an awesome privilege for me to have found myself in the presence of Dr. Dorothy Height--a brilliant woman, a woman of profound courage and insight--some of my living history as a woman, as person of African descent and as an American. Mr. Speaker, by bestowing Dr. Height with a Congressional Gold Medal, we honor this body, and I am pleased to be part of this effort. Although Dr. Height is known most recently for her leadership role with the National Council of Negro Women, her life accomplishments exemplify her commitment for a better society for all individuals, especially for African-Americans. Under the direction of Dr. Height, the National Council for Negro Women developed model programs on topics ranging from teenage parenting to eradicating hunger, and established the Bethune Museum and Archives for Black Women. The Bethune Museum is the first institution devoted to the history of black women. Dr. Height founded the Center for Racial Justice, served as President of the National Council of Negro Women and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and held several leadership positions with the Young Women's Christian Association of America.”