Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the passing of civil rights leader Dr. Dorothy I. Height:

“Men and women of every race and faith are heirs to the work, passion, and legacy of Dr. Dorothy I. Height. From her earliest days as an activist, she fought for equality under the law for every American - recognizing that the battle for civil rights extended to African Americans, women, the disabled and anyone denied the chance to succeed because of who they are. For four decades, she stood at the helm of the National Council of Negro Women, continuing the struggle for an America that lived up to its ideals of liberty and opportunity, regardless of race or gender.

“In every fight, Dr. Height turned the tides of history toward progress. Today, we live in an America that Dorothy Height helped to shape – a nation defined by equality, shaped by civil rights, and driven by the pursuit of justice for all.