Obama, Local Leaders Remember Dorothy Height

Civil rights legend dies at 98

Dr. Dorothy Height, long-time civil rights legend, died early Tuesday at Howard University Hospital. She was 98.

Several public officials have released statements on her passing.
 
President Barack Obama:

“Even in the final weeks of her life – a time when anyone else would have enjoyed their well-earned rest – Dr. Height continued her fight to make our nation a more open and inclusive place for people of every race, gender, background and faith. Michelle and I offer our condolences to all those who knew and loved Dr. Height – and all those whose lives she touched."

Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.)
 

“I am a child of the civil rights movement, and I have lost my godmother and the godmother of the great movements of her time. My friend and mentor Dorothy Height lived the longest and most productive life of leadership for civil rights and women’s rights in our history. She became a guiding force in her persona for generations of Americans like me, seeking equal rights for people of color and for women.“

U.S. Sen. Benjamin Cardin (D-Md.)
 

“Dorothy Height will forever stand among our nation’s great heroes, leaving behind a legacy of justice, equality and hope.”

Local

Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia local news, events and information

Girl shot while inside home on Peabody Street NW in DC, police say

GMU cricket stadium proposal scrapped

D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty (D)
 

“Dr. Height exemplified grace, dignity, and strength, at all times. To honor Dr. Dorothy I. Height, I hereby declare today, April 20, 2010, 'Dr. Dorothy I. Height Day' in the District of Columbia. I have also ordered that the flags of the District of Columbia shall be flown at half-staff on the day of Dr. Height's funeral.”

Gov. Bob McDonnell, (R-Va.): 
 

”All Virginians and Americans are saddened by the news of the passing of Dorothy Height. A Virginian, Ms. Height demonstrated the incredible good that can be accomplished by a passionate individual advocating a just cause. Today I order all state flags to fly at half-staff in honor of Dorothy Height, and I ask all Virginians to pause in remembrance of her life and her legacy. Our nation is a better place because of Dorothy Height.”

D.C. Council Chairman Vincent Gray (D):

"I am grateful for Dr. Height’s active support of many local causes, organizations and individuals. This past September, the Council of the District of Columbia honored Dr. Height with a resolution that recognized her lifetime of achievements.  Today we reiterated our appreciation for her work."

Contact Us