A woman of many hats, literally and figuratively, Dr. Dorothy Irene Height died early yesterday morning at Howard U. Hospital. Having been admitted in mid-March, Dr. Height is thought to have died of natural causes.
Those who knew her simply as “Soror” gathered yesterday on the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. plot, holding single red roses to pay their respects to the educator, activist and author. Dr. Lawanda Peace of the College of Engineering, Architecture and Computer Science was present to show her love and pay tribute.
“Dr. Height was a pillar of the Civil Rights Movement, especially for women…I don’t think anyone could replace her.” When the tribute ended, the women released white balloons into the air, symbolic of a freed spirit.
An adviser to every president since Dwight D. Eisenhower, Dr. Height was able to help propel the forward movement of women and minorities in this country.
“She has always said her life is a life characterized by service,” Alexis M. Herman, Height’s confidante and former U.S. Secretary of Labor, told the Howard University News Service. “She is the ultimate statement of what it means to be a public servant. She’s given back; she’s always given herself to worthy causes, always.”
Known as the “Godmother of Civil Rights,” Dr. Height was one of the most influential figures, male or female, to fight for the rights of, not only Black people but all minorities. Perhaps her most widely recognizable work is serving as the president of the National Council of Negro Women from 1957 to 2007.
Spanning over 50 years, Dr. Height was the longest-serving president of the organization, and made substantial contributions, including the institution of the National Black Family Reunion. She also served as the president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for eleven years and remained an active member throughout the entirety of her life.
On behalf of the Alpha Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., president Victoria Phifer said, “We respect the work and service of Soror Height. Members of our chapter had a chance to interact with her personally and she was always so peaceful and reassuring.
Something that we will never forget is the fact that she takes the time to interact with people personally and learn about each person. She rose to the occasion when no one else would, and when it was not the popular thing to do. And even at 98 years old, she remained as zealous for her cause as she was on day one and for that we thank her.”
Dr. Height’s extensive career in public service is precisely why, in 1993, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and in 2004 the Congressional Medal of Honor; the highest American honors bestowed upon civilians.
Those who knew Dr. Height knew her for her tenacity and sharpness, a quality that she maintained until her death. Dr. Lorraine Fleming, a civil engineering professor recalled meeting Dr. Height at a Founder’s Day celebration.
“She told us that she wasn’t feeling well, but she said that she knew coming out with her Sorors would make her feel better…She was truly a great woman.”
Dr. Height was one of the remaining Civil Rights figures, and the loss means a significant amount to the Black community. Peace referred to Dr. Height’s passing as a call to service saying that “no one person will ever be able to replace a woman as sharp and witty as Dr. Height. It will take all of us to come together to keep fighting for her cause.”
Having gone on record many times by saying that she was dedicated to and passionate about service, Dr. Height was influential in the lives of millions through her work for not just civil, but human rights. Many hope that her vision can live on in the lives of those for whom she worked and fought so hard.