Here’s a few of the statements we received today memorializing the late civil rights icon Dorothy Height. Height passed away early this morning at Howard University Hospital.

President Barack Obama:

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.

D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty:

“Today, the District of Columbia mourns one of our most distinguished citizens, Dr. Dorothy I. Height. Dr. Height exemplified grace, dignity and strength at all times. She served more than 50 years at the helm of the National Council of Negro Women, first elected president just three years after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision. She lead the organization through the tumultuous 1960s, ensuring that women’s and children’s issues remained on the civil rights agenda. In 1998, Dr. Height stepped down from the presidency, but continued to serve as Chair and President Emerita. Dr. Height was the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal and 36 Honorary Doctorate Degrees, along with hundreds of other honors and awards.

“To honor Dr. Dorothy I. Height, I hereby declare today, April 20, 2010, “Dr. Dorothy I. Height Day” in the District of Columbia. I have also ordered that the flags of the District of Columbia shall be flown at half-staff today Tues., April 20 and tomorrow Wed., April 21, to honor her memory.”