The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

In a eulogy for civil rights leader Dr. Dorothy I. Height (1912 -2010) delivered at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., today, President Obama reflected on Dr. Height's legacy and spirit.

Dr. Height's life, Obama said, was "a life lived righteously; a life that lifted other lives; a life that changed this country for the better over the course of nearly one century here on Earth."

Speaking about Dr. Height's contributions to the struggles for justice and equality that have benefited so many, he said:

Progress came from the collective effort of multiple generations of Americans. From preachers and lawyers, and thinkers and doers, men and women like Dr. Height, who took it upon themselves -- often at great risk -- to change this country for the better. From men like W.E.B Du Bois and A. Philip Randolph; women like Mary McLeod Bethune and Betty Friedan -- they're Americans whose names we know.  They are leaders whose legacies we teach. They are giants who fill our history books. Well, Dr. Dorothy Height deserves a place in this pantheon.  She, too, deserves a place in our history books.  She, too, deserves a place of honor in America's memory.

Obama's full remarks are available here.

Dr. Height had been the Chair of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights for more than 15 years and was also a recipient of The Leadership Conference's 1993 Hubert H. Humphrey Award.