DC Vote Remembers Dr. Dorothy Height

April 26, 2010

Washington, DC - DC Vote Executive Director, Ilir Zherka, reflects on the passing of Dr. Dorothy Height, Chair and President Emerita of the National Council of Negro Women and civil rights icon. The following statement may be quoted in full or in part:

"The whole civil rights community has lost an innovator and hero. Dr. Height passionately paved the way for everyone who fights for justice and equality. She graciously lent her time and wisdom throughout her long association with DC Vote.

Dr. Height consistently supported and championed the DC democracy movement. She played an instrumental role in the DC Voting Rights Coalition as Board Chair of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights.

We valued our relationship with Dr. Height as a symbol of the inclusive, vibrant fight for civil and human rights in America. She generously donated a dinner with herself to DC Vote's silent auction at our 2006 Champions of Democracy Awards Dinner, personally signed on to letters lobbying for DC voting rights and advocated right alongside us on Capitol Hill.

The late Jack Kemp, one of our strong champions, often credited Dr. Height for getting him involved in the DC democracy movement. As Kemp told the story, Height pulled him aside one day and said, 'this is part of the unfinished business of the civil rights movement. You must get involved.'

Dr. Height's perpetual bravery and strength will motivate us as we continue our struggle to achieve full democracy for the District. She was a fighter, dignified leader and an inspiration to us all."

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