April 21, 2010
The world has lost another legend. Civil rights luminary Dr. Dorothy Irene Height died on April 20, 2010 from natural causes. Dr. Height fought for civil and human rights for more than seven decades and she was a trusted advisor to many notable leaders that include President Barack Obama. Her list of achievements and endeavors include starting out as an organizer with the United Christian Youth Movement of North America to serving as chair of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.
Here is a statement on the passing of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height from Melanie L. Campbell, Co-Convener with Dr. Height of Black Women’s Roundtable:
“Today we mourn the passing of our beloved leader, teacher, mentor and guide, Dr. Dorothy I. Height. Dr. Height dedicated her life to civil rights, human rights and women’s rights in our nation and around the world. Dr. Height was a founding board member of The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and the Black Women’s Roundtable.
I feel Blessed and honored to have been mentored by Dr. Height, working with her in recent years on the Black Women’s Roundtable with an intergenerational network of women to promote the empowerment of women and girls. Dr. Height taught us that we must be organized and stay focused on the work and that we are more powerful working together in unity and that ‘unity does not mean uniformity.
I challenge each of us to celebrate Dr. Height’s life by mentoring a young person and continuing to do the work for justice, equality and opportunity for women, girls and all people.”
Melanie L. Campbell
Executive Director & CEO, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation
Co-Convener with Dr. Height, Black Women’s Roundtable
Fellow civil rights leader Mrs. Evelyn Gibson Lowery’s had this to say about Dr. Height:
“Dr. Dorothy Irene Height was a founding matriarch of the civil rights movement and an outspoken advocate for gender equality. Dr. Height worked tirelessly until her last days advocating on behalf of women, African Americans and underprivileged people throughout the world. She was a shining example of womanhood and her courage, intelligence, and quick wit will be missed. Our prayers go out to her family and the NCNW family.”
Evelyn Gibson Lowery, civil rights leader, founder of SCLC/W.O.M.E.N, Inc., and wife of Dr. Joseph E. Lowery.
Media contact: Edrea edmedia@dogonvillage.com
Dr. Dorothy Irene Height
March 24, 1912 – April 20, 2010
