The White House says President Barack Obama will deliver the eulogy Thursday at the funeral for civil rights leader Dorothy Height.
Height died last week at age 98 after a long illness. She was a pioneering voice of the civil rights movement whose activism stretched from the New Deal to Obama's election.
The Obamas issued a statement following Height's passing last week:
"Michelle and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dorothy Height - the godmother of the Civil Rights Movement and a hero to so many Americans. Ever since she was denied entrance to college because the incoming class had already met its quota of two African American women, Dr. Height devoted her life to those struggling for equality. ... And 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."
Funeral services for Height will be held at the National Cathedral. Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman, who is overseeing the arrangements, said Height will be buried afterward at Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Maryland.
In addition to the funeral services Thursday, Height's body will lie in repose Tuesday at the National Council of Negro Women's Dorothy I. Height building for a public viewing. Memorial services are also scheduled Wednesday at Howard University and Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington.
Height remained active and outspoken well into her 90s and often received rousing ovations at events around Washington, where she was easily recognizable in the bright, colorful hats she almost always wore.
