Dr. Height Turned the Tides of History Toward Progress

Early this morning, civil rights leader Dr. Dorothy I. Height passed away in Washington, DC. Speaker Pelosi:

Men and women of every race and faith are heirs to the work, passion, and legacy of Dr. Dorothy I. Height. From her earliest days as an activist, she fought for equality under the law for every American - recognizing that the battle for civil rights extended to African Americans, women, the disabled and anyone denied the chance to succeed because of who they are. For four decades, she stood at the helm of the National Council of Negro Women, continuing the struggle for an America that lived up to its ideals of liberty and opportunity, regardless of race or gender.

In every fight, Dr. Height turned the tides of history toward progress. Today, we live in an America that Dorothy Height helped to shape -- a nation defined by equality, shaped by civil rights, and driven by the pursuit of justice for all.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and loved ones of Dorothy Height -- the mother of the civil rights movement and a champion for social justice. Her loss is felt by all who knew her, who respected her, and who followed in her footsteps. The nation mourns the passing of this giant of American history. We will all deeply miss her commitment, compassion, and devotion to a better future.

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus:

On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Dorothy I. Height, a bold and brilliant African American woman who blazed many trails and opened many doors for a countless number of Americans, particularly the empowerment of women and girls, during her life-long quest for justice.

Today, with the passing of Dr. Height, our nation mourns the loss of a true national treasure whose leadership in the struggle for equality and human rights for all people should be an inspiration to all Americans. Her undying commitment to a just society and vision for a better world undergirds the work of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Throughout her life, Dr. Height wore many hats--literally and figuratively with elegance and dignity, excellence and determination. From her legendary stewardship of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. as National President to her unprecedented 41-year tenure at the helm of the National Council of Negro Women, Dr. Height always led with courage and strength.

Today we mourn the loss, but celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Height--a visionary and great humanitarian who gave us all so much.

President Obama:

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. She led the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years, and served as the only woman at the highest level of the Civil Rights Movement - witnessing every march and milestone along the way. 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.