2006
Cathy Hughes

... for her excellence in business

2006
Johnetta Betsch Cole

... for her excellence in education

2005
Nancy Wilson

... for her legendary contributions in the arts

2004
Quincy Jones

2003
Bill and Camille Cosby

... for sustained and distinguished leadership of the Dorothy I. Height Legacy Initiative and their Uncommon contributions to the arts, culture, and civil and human rights

2002
Maya Angelou

... for her contributions to the arts and humanities, and her sustained contributions to the African-American culture

2000
Vernon Jordan

... for his courageous leadership and commitment to improving the quality of life for all Americans

1999
Marian Wright Edelman

1998
Dorothy I. Height

... for her lifetime commitment to women, children and families