Lawyers' Committee Issues Statement of Condolence Honoring Dr. Dorothy I. Height
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 26, 2010
IN LOVING MEMORY OF DR. DOROTHY I. HEIGHT
Internationally-Renowned Civil Rights and Women's Rights Icon
Statement of Barbara R. Arnwine
Executive Director, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
April 26, 2010
On behalf of Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law's Board of Directors, Trustees and Staff, I extend heartfelt condolences and words of tribute in memory of Dr. Dorothy Irene Height, former National Council of Negro Women president and iconic international civil rights and women's rights champion.
Dr. Height's legacy will live on by the sweeping vision she held for women and racial minorities worldwide. She made incredibly brilliant and strategic sacrifices throughout her lifetime as evidenced by her instrumental work in advocating for landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1991 and tireless contributions for nearly half a century to promote justice and equality for all, especially women.
She was a dear friend to the Lawyers' Committee and a consummate supporter of our mission as set forth by President John F. Kennedy. Dr. Height worked closely with our organization on many issues throughout the years, including the African American Women in Law Conference held in Washington, D.C. in 2000. She referenced our continuing fight for justice and equality in various capacities, including in one of her esteemed books.
As the day of her passing also marked "Equal Pay Day" I pondered upon one of my fondest memories of Dr. Height. During a 2009 White House reception following President Obama's historic signing of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law, she was presented with a photo taken with President John F. Kennedy signing the original Equal Pay Act into law in 1963. I noted that she was the only African American woman featured in the photo. As she reflected that she was the only person still alive from that photo, she was proud to have witnessed the election of President Barack Obama as the nation's first African American president and that his first legislative matter involved an issue on which she passionately worked.
Dr. Height was especially kind in mentorship roles. As a mentee of Mary McLeod Bethune, she, in turn, made it a priority to mentor countless others, challenging them to honor the accomplishments for which previous generations worked and gave their lives. She was a staunch advocate for peace and justice and served as a stellar global role model.
Dr. Height also served as a phenomenal representative of women working "in the background" during the civil rights movement, even as she also sometimes served in the shadows.
The Lawyers' Committee is enormously grateful for Dr. Heights' remarkable legacy, indelible civil rights imprint and unyielding spirit of service to others. In her honor, we submit this $250 monetary contribution to further the work of the National Council of Negro Women and to help advance her spirited vision for years to come.
Again, the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law extends deepest condolences to Dr. Height's family and to the National Council of Negro Women, our sister organization. We wish you continued peace during this difficult time.
