Dr. Dorothy I. Height, godmother of the civil rights movement, passed away on Tuesday, April 20, 2010, at the age of 98. Dr. Height rose from the Jim Crowe era and segregation to lobby for civil rights before Eleanor Roosevelt to live to see President Obama elected as the first African American president. She was an integral part of American history, championing social justice, economic justice, women’s rights and civil rights.
One hundred words are too few to honor her and ten thousand are not enough. Her legacy as founder and president of the National Council of Negro Women for over 40 years, 10th president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Black Family Reunion are only a few of her accomplishments.
I first met Dr. Height in the 1990’s when she spoke as keynote speaker for the YWCA Annual meeting. My last personal experience with Dr. Height was in November, 2009 during the 140th anniversary of Lincoln Temple UCC church, where we were honored to have her presence with us.
Despite being confined to a wheel chair in later years, she still maintained an active schedule. In her presence, you knew you were in the presence of greatness. Dr. Height will be greatly missed. May she rest in peace for a life well lived.
Dr. Height’s funeral will be held on Thursday, April 29 at the Washington National Cathedral. Her Omega Omega Service open only to members of her family and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will be held at Howard University on Wednesday, April 28.
I always learn something new