Dorothy Height

Born: 1912 Richmond, VA

Died: 2010

A great orator, spoke out in school against lynchings; won college scholarship.

Directed racial integration of all YMCA facilities and founded the YMCA Center for Racial Justice.

Served as president of the National Council of Negro Women.

President Obama called her “The godmother of Civil Rights Movement.”

She was also on front lines of the women’s movement.

Helped organize march on Washington at which MLK gave “I Have a Dream” speech.

Awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Said: “Without community service, we would not have a strong quality of life.”