Welcome Letter from Dorothy Height - 2008 Dinner
Dear Colleagues and Friends:
Welcome!
We are united this evening at the largest gathering of the civil and human rights community – the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Hubert H. Humphrey Civil Rights Award Dinner, commemorating the legacy of the former United States Vice President, Senator and civil rights pioneer. Recipients are recognized for their outstanding contributions to the advancement of civil and human rights.
As we gather this evening, my mind returns to that amazing day on August 28, 1963 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. issued a moral charge to the country, catapulting our nation toward three cornerstone civil rights laws, the third of which was the 1968 Fair Housing Act. Though Dr. King’s dream has not been fully realized, there are those who have picked up the charge, exemplified by this year’s extraordinary honorees: Representative John Conyers, Patricia Rouse, and Soledad O’Brien, and their contributions to fair housing.
It’s evident that voices like those of tonight’s honorees continue to ring out the call for equality, in the halls of Congress, in our communities, and on the national media stage. Representative Conyers remains an ally for fair and affordable housing, among his many legislative battles for equality; Patricia Rouse has dedicated her life to affordable housing for all; and Soledad O’Brien has told the stories of Katrina’s homeless and displaced with such heart and honesty. They mirror the principles that Hubert Humphrey stood for, and they are a true testament to his legacy.
LCCR is the oldest and largest civil and human rights coalition in the United States -- 200 national organizations representing persons of color, women, children, older Americans, individuals with disabilities, gays and lesbians, labor unions, major religious groups and civil liberties and human rights groups. Our work is vital; working as one is the only way we can hope to ensure the rights of all Americans.
Tonight, I extend sincerest gratitude to our generous sponsors and our Dinner Committee, whose contributions have made tonight’s event possible. I am particularly grateful to our Dinner chairs: Kathryn Brown of Verizon, Daniel Mudd of Fannie Mae, and Michael Smith of State Farm Bank.
Everyone present tonight has a role to play in advancing civil and human rights. All of you have our utmost appreciation for your continued support and commitment as together we strive to achieve equality, equal opportunity and justice for all.
Gratefully,
Dorothy I. Height
Honorary Chair
Chairperson, LCCR
Chair and President Emerita, National Council of Negro Women
