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Dorothy I. Height
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Open Wide The Freedom Gates: A Memoir Paperback – January 26, 2005

by Dorothy Height (Author)
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 116 ratings
See all formats and editions
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Dorothy Height marched at civil rights rallies, sat through tense White House meetings, and witnessed every major victory in the struggle for racial equality. Yet as the sole woman among powerful, charismatic men, someone whose personal ambition was secondary to her passion for her cause, she has received little mainstream recognition -- until now. In her memoir, Dr. Height, now ninety-one, reflects on a life of service and leadership. We witness her childhood encounters with racism and the thrill of New York college life during the Harlem Renaissance. We see her protest against lynchings. We sit with her onstage as Martin Luther King Jr. delivers his "I Have a Dream" speech. We meet people she knew intimately throughout the decades: W.E.B. DuBois, Marcus Garvey, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mary McLeod Bethune, Adam Clayton Powell Sr., Langston Hughes, and many others. And we watch as she leads the National Council of Negro Women for forty-one years, her diplomatic counsel sought by U.S. Presidents from Eisenhower to Clinton.

After the fierce battles of the 1960s, Dr. Height concentrates on troubled black communities, on issues like rural poverty, teen pregnancy and black family values. In 1994, her efforts are officially recognized. Along with Rosa Parks, she receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
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Previous page
  1. Print length
    345 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    January 26, 2005
  4. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.87 x 8.5 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1586482866
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1586482862
  7. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Rich with historic details, [Open Wide the Freedom Gates] is a humble account of a magnificent life's work." -- Essence

"[Open Wide the Freedom Gates] gives a poignant short course in a century of African-American history." -- The New York Times Book Review, October 5, 2003

About the Author

Dr. Dorothy Height has more than twenty honorary degrees. In addition to the Presidential Medal of Freedom, she has received the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Freedom Medal and the Citizens Medal Award, which President Ronald Reagan awarded her in 1989. Now ninety-one, she continues to serve as chair and president emerita of the National Council of Negro Women. She lives in Washington, D.C.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Publicaffairs; Revised edition (January 26, 2005)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 345 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1586482866
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1586482862
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.87 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 116 ratings

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Dorothy I. Height

Dorothy I. Height

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Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9 out of 5
116 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

K. Bee
5.0 out of 5 stars Women's Histoy Month
Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2011
Verified Purchase
I chose to read this book in honor of women's history month and it truly inspired and educated me. Ms. Height took me down history lane in this book about her involvement in various organizations. Some of the organizations she mentioned in the book I am ashamed to say I never even heard of. The writing style of the book kept me reading past midnight. After reading this book, I can truly say I know more about Ms. Height as a woman and the various organizations she was involved in.
5 people found this helpful
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Avis
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring story of one woman's triumph
Reviewed in the United States on January 9, 2017
Verified Purchase
Loved the walk through history and the opportunity to learn of the growth women's organizations. This memoir is inspirational and challenges us all to be our best selves in our contributions to the improvement of society.
One person found this helpful
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jj
5.0 out of 5 stars this book is a glimpse of how the past has influenced current times - both for the better and for the worse
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2015
Verified Purchase
Reminds you why you have rights you do. Although the struggle and oppression is not yet over, this book is a glimpse of how the past has influenced current times - both for the better and for the worse.
One person found this helpful
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Lilly
5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you Google for bringing less known people to the forefront of our minds
Reviewed in the United States on April 6, 2014
Verified Purchase
There were so many important activists during the time of MLK and Rosa Parks. If you love history, want to learn more about the Civil Rights Movement or just like reading about powerful, strong women, this is must read.
2 people found this helpful
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Josette
4.0 out of 5 stars Good Price, Good Quality Book
Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2010
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I received my order and the quality was what I expected. I would purchase from them again if the price is right.

Open Wide The Freedom Gates: A Memoir by Dorothy Height is a must get book. I am very suprised that I like the book. Ms. Height journey is so inspiring. The people she encounter became very famous and yet she was famous but modest. I love this book.
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K. Willis
5.0 out of 5 stars Soror Dorothy Height was an amazing woman and truly left her footprints for the rest ...
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2014
Verified Purchase
Wow, Soror Dorothy Height was an amazing woman and truly left her footprints for the rest of us to try and walk in. We truly stand on the shoulders of a beautiful giant.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Maya Angelou was awesome. Tremendous story of an African American icon
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2017
Verified Purchase
The foreword by Dr. Maya Angelou was awesome. Tremendous story of an African American icon.
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Brenda L. Travis
5.0 out of 5 stars I have admired her for many years and enjoyed reading her memoir
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2016
Verified Purchase
I learned a lot about Black history and Dorothy Height. I have admired her for many years and enjoyed reading her memoir.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

carlos sampson
5.0 out of 5 stars Book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 2, 2018
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Brilliant book.
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Selene
5.0 out of 5 stars great women are an inspiration
Reviewed in Canada on July 17, 2015
Verified Purchase
Knowledge is power, great women are an inspiration. Those who work unnoticed can make a huge difference. Mrs. Height has done so much in her life to help others, without wanting stardom. A true hero a must read
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