Statement by Executive Leadership Council President & CEO Lawrence M. Drake II on the Passing of Civil Rights Pioneer Dr. Dorothy Height

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Members, Board and Staff of The Executive Leadership Council are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Dorothy Height – a pioneer and icon of the struggle for civil rights and equality in this country.  Dr. Height's life and legacy represent the quintessential American story of determination and courage in the face of prejudice, fear, and inequality.  

Her forty year leadership of The National Council of Negro Women and her pivotal role in the struggle for civil rights in this country cement her status, along with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Susan B. Anthony, and Cesar Chavez as one of the most transformational civil rights leaders in our nation's history.  Dr. Height's eight decades of leadership and service are without peer and represent a gold standard that can never be replicated.  Our membership stands on the shoulders of Dr. Height, whose selflessness and spirit transformed generations of young African Americans, especially African-American women, into a powerful force for change in this country and around the globe.  

We send heartfelt condolences to Dr. Height's family, friends, and mentees over the years.  Every life she has touched will continue to spread her message of equality and continue the fight to ensure that all people – regardless of race, gender, background, or economic standing should be able to reap the great bounty of the American Dream!

About the Executive Leadership Council

The Executive Leadership Council is an independent, non-profit 501(c)(6) corporation, founded in 1986 to provide African-American executives of major U.S. companies with a professional network and forum to offer perspective and direction on national and international business and public policy issues.  It is the preeminent organization that recognizes the strengths, success, contributions, and impact of African-American corporate business leaders. Council members – over 500 executives, one-third of them women – represent more than 360 Fortune 500 corporations.  For more information about The Executive Leadership Council, please visit www.elcinfo.com.

SOURCE Executive Leadership Council