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On the Passing of Dr. Dorothy Height

Hello People,

Every life is precious and unique. We all leave something that affects someone in a positive way. Dr. Dorothy Height is someone that I admired. The world is experiencing a great loss. Thankfully her legacy will live on. Please read what others had to say about her below.

Have a great evening,
Kenya


The following statement from Attorney General Eric Holder on the passing of Dr. Dorothy Height was released today by the U.S. Department of Justice:

"Today we mourn the loss of Dr. Dorothy Height, a preeminent leader in our nation's civil rights movement. Whether representing African-American women during the 1963 March on Washington, organizing 'Wednesdays in Mississippi' at Freedom Schools, or mentoring women's organizations across the country and abroad, Dr. Height's commitment to the cause of justice and equality helped to 'open wide the freedom gates' for countless Americans.

"As we reflect on and celebrate her many contributions in defiance of injustice, our thoughts and prayers are with the Height family. As Dr. Height once said, 'Greatness is not measured by what a man or woman accomplishes, but by the opposition he or she has overcome to reach his goals.' By that measure, Dorothy Height embodied greatness. Although she will be dearly missed, Dr. Height's leadership and her enduring optimism will continue to inspire our nation's work to ensure justice for all."

The following is a statement from the National Medical Association:

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Dorothy Height. She was an endearing friend to many of us, a great civil rights icon on the stage of history, and a national treasure of immense dignity. Her lifelong fight for civil rights and equality changed forever the vistas of hope and opportunity for both African Americans and women. Dr. Height's influence on America and indeed the world will not be forgotten. Her life is an example of the type of servant leadership we should all aspire to emulate."

AJC mourns the passing of Dorothy I. Height, a remarkable leader and friend of the Jewish community, who courageously pressed for racial equality in the civil rights era. Ms. Height was 98 years old.

"Dorothy Height's leadership in the fight for civil rights exemplified the moral courage that was so necessary to end segregation in the United States," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "Her tireless efforts resulted in extraordinary gains for African Americans."

Height served 41 years as President of the National Council of Negro Women. Called the "Queen Mother" of the civil rights movement, Height is credited with convincing the YWCA's chapters to implement local interracial charters in the face of segregation. Her initiatives trained thousands of women to become activists in their communities.

"We valued our close working relationship with her as emblematic of the cooperative ties between the African-American and Jewish communities throughout the civil rights struggle," said Harris. "She was an inspiring and cherished friend of the Jewish people and we will miss her voice of principle and passion. Her death marks the passing of a unique era in American history."
Height was a regular guest at AJC Annual Meetings and also a participant in an AJC-sponsored study mission to Israel in 1967.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the passing of civil rights leader Dr. Dorothy I. Height:

"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."

Congressman Chaka Fattah (D-PA), Chair of the Congressional Urban Caucus issues the following statement on the death of Dr. Dorothy Height, maven of the civil rights movement:

"I join the nation as we mourn the death of a gentle yet powerful leader, Dr. Dorothy Height. A woman of vision, her pioneering spirit and extraordinary sphere of influence was the catalyst that catapulted those from only dreaming of a better world to actually experiencing a better world.

"Dignified, diligent and distinctive in her leadership skills, Dr. Height was an impressive leader in the struggle for equality for all people. Her life was the epitome of compassion and commitment for a society where people are respected for their individuality, recognized for their labor and honored for their humanity.

"While her voice has been silenced, her works will echo throughout history as a woman who understood the need for change and tirelessly labored to make that change. Today, millions can bear witness to the influence her legacy has had on their lives."

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