Dr. Dorothy Height Post Office Bill Sent to President

Bill on the way to the President

The late civil rights icon Dr. Dorothy Height may soon be honored with a U.S. post office in her name.

A bill presented by D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton was passed last night in the Senate and is now on the way to the president.

The post office at 2 Massachusetts Ave. is just next to Union Station in northeast Washington. It has been in service since 1914. According to officials at the United States Post Office, it is an official District of Columbia landmark. The building was first called the Washington D.C. Post Office until 1986 when it became National Capital station.

Norton made passage of the bill this session a priority. The bill was introduced only in September.

"This bill, marking it the first time a federal building in the nation’s capital has been named for an African American woman, is a cause for celebration,” said Norton. “Dorothy Height was an icon for social justice who lived here, and the Congress has recognized that she deserves a visible place of honor and distinction in the nation’s capital. "

Height, also known as the "Godmother of the Civil Rights Movement," was a longtime president of the National Council of Negro Women. She was able to get the House to pass the bill almost immediately under suspension of the rules in September.

"Renaming the post office next to Union Station will remind D.C. and the nation alike of the achievements of one of America's great women," said Norton.

If passed, the bill would mark the first time a federal building in the nation's capitol is named for an African American woman.

Contact Us