The Godmother Of The Women's Movement dies at 98

Civil Rights icon Dorothy Height dies at the age of 98.  In her long career, Height was at the helm of the National Council of Negro Women for more than 40 years.  Advising presidents from Dwight Eisenhower to Bill Clinton on women's rights and civil rights, Height was among a handful of key African-American leaders to meet with President Obama at the White House for a summit on race and the economy.  Fighting injustice wherever it reared it's ugly head, Height helped advance landmark legislation on school desegregation, voting rights and equality in the workplace.  Living here in Washington, DC, it was always a treat to see Dorothy Height out and about around town... at the Black Family Reunion events... on the Hill... looking like civil rights royalty with her famously lavish hats.  She signified passion, class, determination, truth, civility, beauty and honor. 

As reported by PBS.org:

Born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1912, Height first joined the civil rights movement as a teenager, marching in New York's Times Square against lynching. In the 1950s and 1960s she helped bring the movement to the national forefront. In 1963, she was the only woman on the speaker's platform when King delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech at the Lincoln Memorial.

In 1994, Bill Clinton awarded Height with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. Ten years later, she was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal.

Dorothy Height leaves behind a legacy of an amazing body civil rights work coupled with an never ending passion for equality.  She will be truly missed.  May she rest in peace knowing she made a difference in this life and her work here on earth was well done... well done indeed!