Obama breaks down in tears at funeral of 'Godmother' of American civil rights movement Dorothy Height

Overcome: U.S. President Barack Obama wipes away tears during the funeral for the 'Godmother' of the civil rights movement Dorothy Height in Washington today

Respect: Mr Obama watches as Dr Height's coffin is carried into the cathedral

Changing the course of history: Dr Dorothy Height, left, in one of her characteristically colourful outfits, with her comrade-at-arms Rosa Parks

Tears streaming down his cheeks, grief overcame Barack Obama today as he attended the funeral of the woman he called the 'Godmother' of the American civil rights movement.

The U.S. president was weeping openly as he watched the service for Dorothy Height in Washington today.

He delivered the eulogy for Dr Height, whose activisim stretched from the New Deal right up until Mr Obama's election as the first African American president of the United States.
Dr Height died last week at 98 after a long illness. She was a pioneering voice of the civil rights movement who remained active and outspoken well into her 90s.

She often received rousing ovations at events around Washington, where she was easily recognisable in the bright, colourful hats she almost always wore.

Dr Height led the National Council of Negro Women for decades and marched with the Rev Martin Luther King Jr.


Here because of her: Mr Obama takes the podium to deliver the eulogy for Dr Height today

Regal lady: Dr Height shares a joke with George W Bush before he presented her with the Congressional Gold Medal in Washington DC in 2004

Dr Height in 1974, and with President Ronald Regan during a reception at the White House in 1983

Honoured: Then-President Bill Clinton applauds Dr Height after presenting her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994

Lasting impact: The view inside the cathedral today as Mr Obama took to the podium

She was honoured by Mr Obama during the service at Washington National Cathedral for her leadership on the front lines fighting for equality, education and to ease racial tension.
'She never cared about who got the credit,' the president said. 'What she cared about was the cause. The cause of justice, the cause of equality, the cause of opportunity, freedom's cause.'

His 13-minute tribute often drew gentle laughter as Obama remembered the doggedness and energy of Dr Height, who led the National Council of Negro Women for decades and marched with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the head of the civil rights movement.
Height visited the Obama White House 21 times, the president said. He noted that she was determined to attend a meeting of African American leaders on unemployment last winter despite an approaching blizzard and being confined to a wheelchair.

She would not allow 'just a bunch of men' to control the meeting, Obama said. Dr When Height's attendance became impossible because cars could not reach her snow-choked driveway, he said, she still sent a message with her ideas.

Noting Dr Height's trademark attire, Obama said, 'we loved those hats she wore like a crown. Regal.'
He cited her role in desegregating the Young Women's Christian Association and in leading the National Council of Negro Women with 'vision and energy, vision and class'. He said her name should be associated with great leaders such as King and W.E.B. DuBois, an early 20th century black nationalist.
'She too deserves a place in our history books,' Obama said. 'She too deserves a place of honor in America's memory.'

He urged Americans to honor Dr Height's memory by serving their country and making it better.

She was a voice for women in the civil rights movement and beyond. Leading women are expected to celebrate her life in return, including poet Maya Angelou, educator Camille Cosby, singers BeBe Winans and Denyce Graves, among others.

Dr Height was a quietly powerful figure in Washington, meeting with every president since Dwight D. Eisenhower.