Table of Contents
Praise for
Open Wide the Freedom Gates
Rich with historic details, [Open Wide the Freedom Gates] is a humble account of a magnificent lifes work.
Essence
Befitting her generation of strong women, [Dr. Height] reveals herself to be made of grace and a titanium backbone... Put her inspiring memoir on your daughters summer reading listand your own.
Baltimore Sun
[Open Wide the Freedom Gates] gives a poignant short course in a century of African-American history.
The New York Times Book Review
A long-awaited memoir from a veteran freedom fighter and witness to history... in this personal and inspiring story of [Dorothy Heights] lifelong fight for civil rights, she reflects on her life of service and leadership, from her childhood encounters with racism, the thrill of college life during the Harlem Renaissance, her marches against lynching, her place on stage with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during his pivotal I Have Dream speech and her diplomatic counsel sought by U.S. presidents from Eisenhower to Clinton.
Ebony
If Hillary Clinton werent already making such good use of it, Living History would be an apt title for Dorothy Heights memoirs... a long-awaited event for those who have badgered Height for years to tell her story.
New Orleans Times-Picayune
In its foreword Maya Angelou describes Height, now 91, as a giant among mighty women. And, indeed, she is a gentle, persistent giant for human progress.
Detroit Free Press
The history of the civil rights movement is made fuller and more complete by [Dorothy Heights] compelling memoir.
The Miami Herald
Ms. Height brings womens roles and projects [in the civil rights movement] out of the shadows with this crisp, clear reflection on her work as she toiled alongside such legendary figures as Eleanor Roosevelt and Mary McLeod Bethune, as well as everyday women of all races.
Dallas Morning News
Her sheer conviction makes the book more readable than most memoirs. The pearls of insight, wisdom and courage she graciously shares should draw and satiate anyone who wants to better understand Americas 20th century, the race and gender dynamics we still grapple with today, and how one woman has walked and talked a mantra of diversity throughout her long and distinguished life.
The Crisis
A straightforward tale, full of informationand yet underlying it all, beneath the unemotional recitation of history, it tells a triumphant and amazing story.
Deseret News
As an activist and woman of great significance to the preservation of American democracy, Dorothy Height has experienced America at many crossroads.... This [book] is a tribute to the legacy of intelligent womanhood. It is a thought-provoking story about what it takes to enact change and embody the spirit of liberation. It is a privilege, indeed an honor, to experience this journey with Dorothy Height.
Black Issues Book Review
For the reader who is seeking an autobiography that is well written and witty, but also offers humanity and a personable style, pick up... Open Wide the Freedom Gates.
Chicago Defender
Dorothy Height is the most prominent civil rights leader youve probably never heard of... While Rosa Parks is the mother of the civil rights movement, noted Pennsylvania activist C. DeLores Tucker once said, Dorothy Height is the queen.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
For decades, Dr. Dorothy Height has been an unsung heroine. But not anymore. At 91, Height finally tells her life story in this eloquent memoir, which chronicles her life and her historic role in the civil rights movement... Open Wide the Freedom Gates provides an intriguing history lesson.
San Antonio Express News
Heights book is not just a remarkable account of her role in some of the 20th centurys most defining moments. It is also the story of her unflagging courage in the face of its heady battles... Height is a woman of many gifts, not the least of which is her inspiring legacy of altruism and activism, as detailed in this important memoir.
The Virginian-Pilot
An important resource for anyone with an interest in the long and continuing struggle for equality and social justice... The memoir reveals a woman with the capacity to learn and grow continuously, a woman passionate about doing good.
Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel
[Open Wide the Freedom Gates] value for historians of the civil rights era and of black womens organizations is central.
Publishers Weekly
An intimate and extended vision of the Civil Rights movement, from a very special black womens perspective. This memoir by a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom is essential for any collection on civil rights, black women, or 20th century U.S. history.
Library Journal (starred review)
Height walks us step-by-step through a remarkable lifetime of witnessing every significant event in the fight for racial equality... Amusingly, Heights matter-of-fact tone recounting her experiences belies the magnitude of their historical significance... What is most striking about this book is Heights recurring insistence (and proof!) that a sincere commitment to excellence is the tool that can afford remarkable opportunities to everyone.
Booklist
This book will make sure you understand just how important Dorothy Height is to Americas history. Dorothy Height has spent over ninety years moving the mountains of racial and human injustice. Youll understand why Dorothy Height has never taken the time to promote herself, to elbow her way into photo-ops, to say controversial things, and grab the headlines. No, instead, this book tells you how Dorothy Height got some extremely important things done by staying out of the limelight. Mountains move very slowlythats why you maybe never noticed Dorothy Height.
Bill Cosby
With her clarity of vision, her eloquent voice for justice and human decency and her courageous and determined leadership, Dr. Dorothy Height has been a great inspiration to me. In the early days of the Civil Rights Movement, she was the only woman in the decision-making councils of the male leadership. Dorothy was always there, and she has continued to be there, before and after. As this wonderful memoir reveals, she has been in the forefront of the major struggles for civil and human rights in our times as a compelling advocate. Her historic contributions on behalf of women and families, the poor, the victims of racial and sex discrimination, the disadvantaged, downtrodden and forgotten people of our country have made America a more just and compassionate nation.
Coretta Scott King
[Dr. Height is] a legend in her own time.... Some say life is in the breath we take. I believe life is in the moments that take our breath away. Every time Im in the presence of Dr. Dorothy Height is a moment that takes my breath away.
Tavis Smiley
PublicAffairsNew York
