Dorothy Height Bronze Medal
- Year of Issue: 2004
- Authorizing Legislation: Public Law 108-162
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Background
This medal is a bronze duplicate of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Dr. Dorothy I. Height for her lasting legacy of public service and lifetime achievements in civil rights. Congress authorized the medal on December 6, 2003. It was presented to Dr. Height on March 24, 2004, her 92nd birthday. The Mint issued the bronze medal duplicates in 3.0 inch and 1.5 inch sizes.
Dr. Dorothy Height devoted her life to grassroots organizations created to fight racism, sexism, inequality, poverty, and other societal ills. In the 1960s, she stood on the front line in the battles for civil rights for African Americans and equal rights for women. She led the National Council of Negro Women from 1958 until she retired in 1998.
Characteristics
The obverse depicts a portrait of Dr. Dorothy Height in one of her signature hats.
The reverse features the National Council of Negro Women's building in Washington, DC, with the U.S. Capitol in the background.
Obverse Inscriptions
- ACT OF CONGRESS 2003
- DOROTHY I. HEIGHT
Reverse Inscriptions
- "WE AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN SELDOM DO JUST WHAT WE WANT TO DO, BUT ALWAYS WHAT WE HAVE TO DO. I AM GRATEFUL TO HAVE BEEN IN A TIME AND PLACE WHERE I COULD BE A PART OF WHAT WAS NEEDED." DOROTHY I. HEIGHT
Mint and Mint Mark
Specifications
- Composition 1.5 inch medal: 95% copper, 5% zinc
- Composition 3.0 inch medal: 90% copper, 10% zinc
- Finish: matte
- Edge: plain
- No mint mark
Artist Information
Obverse- Donna Weaver, Sculptor-Engraver
- John Mercanti, Sculptor-Engraver