Dorothy_Height_an_Extraordinary_Leader

Abstract Born just eight years before women could vote and at a time when many African- Americans were deprived of basic civil rights, Dr. Dorothy Height grew to become an extraordinary leader. This paper was intended to highlight the lecture-rationale for choosing Dr. Dorothy Height as an extraordinary leader as well as emphasize the interest in Dr. Height’s leadership qualities. Dr. Dorothy Height: An Extraordinary Leader Dorothy Irene Height (March 24, 1912 – April 20, 2010) was an American administrator, educator, and social activist. She was the president of the National Council of Negro Women for forty years, and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994 and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2004. (Lovino, 2010) Why This Extraordinary Woman I believe the life and achievements of Dr. Height exemplify the strength and character of a leader. Against the challenges of racism, gender and social economic status, Dr. Height was able to make great strides in the advancement of women of color as a scholar, educator and social activist. ResourceAnswers (2010), outlines many of her accomplishments which include: • The developed leadership training programs along with interracial and ecumenical education Programs. • Fighting for equal rights for both African Americans and women. • The President of the National Council of Negro Women. • Receiving the Presidential Citizens Medal (1989). • Induction into the National Woman’s Hall of Fame (1993). I find Dr. Height’s ability to be such an extraordinary leader intriguing. She was born at a time when women did not have the right to vote; separate but equal laws were upheld by the American Constitution; and the African-American civil rights movement was not as much as a bleep on the social radar. Some would say that Dr. Height was “born to be a leader.” A strong case can be made for defining her leadership qualities based on a trait perspective—special innate or inborn characteristics or qualities that make leaders. Likewise, an equally strong case can be engaged to define her leadership abilities from a process perspective—a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal. (Northouse, 2010) Conclusion In 1998, she told People, "I want to be remembered as someone who used herself and anything she could touch to work for justice and freedom… . I want to be remembered as one who tried." (People, 1998) Although there have been many great leaders through history, Dr. Height’s story has captured my attention. In spite of overwhelming odds, she was able to become an extraordinary leader exhibiting both assigned and emergent leadership styles. I am curious to see how these styles helped to advance Dr. Height throughout her career. References Lovino, J. (2010, April 20). Dorothy Height. Retrieved September 9, 2010, from Wikipedia, the free encylopedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy_Height#cite_note-newsday-1 Northouse, P. G. (2010). Leadership: Theory and Practice. California: SAGE Publications, Inc. 4 People. (1998, October 19). ReferenceAnswers(tm). Retrieved September 10, 2010, from Answers.com: http://www.answers.com/topic/dorothy-height ReverenceAnswers. (2010). Retrieved September 10, 2010, from Answers.Com: http://www.answers.com/topic/dorothy-height#cite_ref-memoir_3-0