WASHINGTON — The United States Mint today announced that bronze duplicates and miniature bronze replicas of the Congressional Gold Medal honoring Dr. Dorothy I. Height are now available. Dr. Height received the Congressional Gold Medal from President Bush on March 24, 2004, her 92nd birthday, in a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol rotunda, in recognition of her many contributions to the Nation.
On December 6, 2003, President Bush approved Public Law 108–162, which provides for the production and presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. Height and authorizes the United States Mint to produce and sell to the public bronze duplicates. The medal honors the work of Dr. Height, who has 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 battle for civil rights for African Americans and equal rights for women.
Since 1958, Dr. Height has led the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), an organization founded in 1937 by her mentor and friend, Mary McLeod Bethune. The NCNW promotes black family values and sponsors the annual Black Family Reunion held each September on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
The medal’s obverse, designed by United States Mint sculptor/engraver Donna Weaver, depicts a portrait of Dr. Height in one of her signature hats. “DOROTHY I. HEIGHT” is inscribed under the portrait, and the inscription “ACT OF CONGRESS 2003” is located to the right of her image.
The reverse, designed by United States Mint sculptor/engraver John Mercanti, features the National Council of Negro Women’s building, which is located at 633 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. A depiction of the U.S. Capitol can be seen in the background. The reverse includes the following quote by Dr. Height: “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.”
Duplicate three–inch bronze medals are available from the United States Mint for $38.00 (Product Number 997), and the 1–1/2 inch miniature bronze replicas of the large medal are available for $3.00 (Product Number 998).
Customers are invited to purchase the bronze medals online using the United States Mint’s secure website at www.usmint.gov, or by calling toll–free 1–800–USA–MINT (872–6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 per order will be added to all orders. Hearing– and speech–impaired customers may order by calling 1–888–321–MINT (6468). Please allow two to three weeks for delivery.