This guest blog post is written by Beverly Lancaster-Jones, a Senior Account Supervisor at Vanguard Communications.
Today our nation mourns the passing of a true patriot – Dorothy Height. Height was among the coalition of African American leaders who pushed civil rights to the center of the American political stage after World War II, and she was a key figure in the struggles for school desegregation, voting rights, employment opportunities and public accommodations in the 1950s and 1960s. She was president of the National Council of Negro Women for 40 years, relinquishing the title in 1997.
When I heard the news this morning, I retrieved a box of pictures that I hadn’t looked at since my mother passed almost a year ago. In that box was a picture of my mother making a presentation on Mary McLeod Bethune to Ms. Height. For those of you who may not be history buffs or are simply too young to have reason to know such things—Mary McLeod Bethune was to Dorothy Height what Mahatma Gandhi was to Martin Luther King, Jr. While the Alzheimer’s that eventually took my mother’s life led her to misplace many, many of her possessions that we have never been able to retrieve, this picture of her and Dorothy Height survived the siege of that disease. And now it is one of the many jewels of my inheritance.
But the true wealth of the inheritance that this picture represents for me is my mother’s indomitable decency and how that energy resonated with all like-spirited angels here on earth—like Ms. Height.
Awesome, two great women. Dorothy Height was a great inspiration us all and so was my Aunt Jessie Lancaster. Only if my auntie could see this she would be smiling from ear to ear.
The strength of these two women is is only surpassed by the love and grace they demonstrated everyday of their lives. I had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Mrs. Height many years ago and it will always be a cherished memory. I also has the pleasure of ‘sitting at the feet’ of Mrs. Lancaster many times over the past 20+ years. I gleaned more than a few ‘life lessons’ from her wisdom, quick wit, kindness, sense of humor and uncompromising love for her family and community. “Miss Jessie” knew ‘our’ history (because she lived it) and she enjoyed sharing it. I loved to listen to her – and learn.
So as you look at the picture, remember the importance and responsibility of influence. Both of these women lived to be of service. They were shining, guiding lights in our world. Let their lives be an encouragement to each of us to “let our light so shine” as well.
Absolutely beautiful. Two beautiful ladies.
Bev…I just love how photographs capture a precious moment in time. Thanks for sharing such a moment. I know your mom and Ms. Height are smiling on you.
Thank you for sharing such a precious memory! Reading about your personal connection to Ms. Height makes her significance and loss even greater.
Beverly, thank you for sharing this extremely moving blog post.
BEVERLY AS YOUR NIECE I AM SO PROUD TO HAVE A GRANDMOTHER LIKE HER I KNOW SHE IS SMILING DOWN ON THIS TRIBUTE TO HER PROUD MOMENT IN TIME