President Barack Obama and the First Lady, Michelle, today took time out to honor civil rights icon Dorothy I. Height, who died at the age of 98.

"Michelle and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dorothy Height - the godmother of the Civil Rights Movement and a hero to so many Americans.  Ever since she was denied entrance to college because the incoming class had already met its quota of two African American women, Dr. Height devoted her life to those struggling for equality.

"She led the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years, and served as the only woman at the highest level of the Civil Rights Movement - witnessing every march and milestone along the way. And even in the final weeks of her life – a time when anyone else would have enjoyed their well-earned rest – Dr. Height continued her fight to make our nation a more open and inclusive place for people of every race, gender, background and faith. Michelle and I offer our condolences to all those who knew and loved Dr. Height – and all those whose lives she touched

Georgia Congressman John Lewis, who travelled the country the late Rev.-Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., shared his thoughts and memories of Dr. Height.

"Today we have lost a great American, a brave and courageous woman who worked tirelessly for the cause of civil rights and social justice.  Dr. Dorothy Height was a counselor to every White House from the time of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, offering her wisdom and guidance to help make this world a better place. “Dorothy Height was a pioneer.  She was leader in the YWCA, a leader in her sorority—Delta Sigma Theta--as well as the head of NCNW.   Long before some of the younger activists in the movement came to the forefront, like Dr. King and I, she was out there educating and empowering women, children and families in the South.  Dorothy Height was also a feminist, and long before there was a women’s movement, she was a major spokesperson for women’s rights affirming the equality of women. 

“I will never forget the Wednesdays in Mississippi program that she developed during the Civil Rights Movement to bring women of different races and faiths to the Deep South.  She helped build bridges and form relationships that sensitized women in the North to the problems in the South.  She also saw the need for economic empowerment and created the cooperative pig bank program, which offered rural families a chance to build greater financial security and independence.  These and many other programs she develop for the last 60 years helped to change the shape of America."

Here's an excerpt from Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Michael Steele who released the following statement today:

“Dr. Dorothy Height was an American trail blazer who dedicated her work and heart to creating opportunities that have afforded African Americans and women a chance to realize the American Dream. Dr. Height was and will always be an icon to all Americans for her forty years of remarkable service as the President of the National Council for Negro Women and her dedication as a leader of the Civil Rights Movement.

 “On a personal note, Dr. Height was a cherished friend and role model. Her life consistently demonstrated to the world the importance of mentoring and sharing individual accomplishments with the community in order to create and pass on to future generations the legacy of life, liberty and prosperity.

“One of my greatest honors and memories as the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, was presenting Dr. Height with a proclamation from the State of Maryland during the ‘Celebrating America’s Grand Dame Matriarchs: A Who’s Who Tribute To Dorothy Height,’ for the vital role she played in the advancement of the Civil Rights Movement. It was through her soft words and diligent actions, she revolutionized the face of our country. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Height family as we join you in the celebration and mourning of an American Hero.”