Rest In Peace: Dorothy Height civil rights icon passes away at age 98

The Washington Post: Dorothy I. Height, 98, a founding matriarch of the American civil rights movement whose crusade for racial justice and gender equality spanned more than six decades, died Tuesday at Howard University Hospital. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Ms. Height was among the coalition of African American leaders who pushed civil rights to the center of the American political stage after World War II, and she was a key figure in the struggles for school desegregation, voting rights, employment opportunities and public accommodations in the 1950s and 1960s.

As president of the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years, Ms. Height was arguably the most influential woman at the top levels of civil rights leadership. [MORE]

Dorothy Height was more of a behind the scene figure in the Civil Rights movement when compared to King or Malcolm X.  Nonetheless, the woman moved mountains with her quiet dignity and firm resolve. From a very young age Height she spoke out against lynching and fought rural poverty. She was one of the planners of the March on Washington, she maintained a lifelong commitment to the advancement of black women and even advised several presidents throughout her years.

Unlike many of today’s civil rights leaders, Height never came off as sharply partisan or political. I believe this is why she retained so much of her authority well past the height of the civil rights movement. It is also why despite some ideological differences, I hold her in high regard.

Rest in peace Dorothy Height, I thank you for your service, your sacrifice and for your role in making America live up to it ideals for all.

Via: Memeorandum

Via: The Washington Post