There are few women today or in the past who could top Dr. Dorothy I. Height. As a child, I remember seeing her resemblance to my mother, the late Estelle Mayo. For years I thought Dr. Height was related to me because she looked so much like my mother. At the age of 14, my mom passed and I often hoped that Dr. Height would be my second Godmother. I often traveled to the conventions of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. where my mom was pianist for the conventions, and after she passed I would often see Dr. Height. One day I got up enough nerve to ask her was she related to me. She smiled and said,”Young lady, I am and will be forever, your Godmother, especially when you become a Delta one day.” I never forgot that and today I am reminded of her gentle spirit of encouragement, love and unselfish commitment to always helping and motivating others. For me, I pay tribute to her for that smile some 36 years ago.

Later in life, I had the fortune of working with Dr. Height on various pieces of legislation on Capitol Hill while I was a staffer (The MLK National Holiday, Divestment in South Africa and The Family Leave Act). Dr. Height was always at the meetings on time and gave us wisdom and reason for the work we labored with daily. She would say we simply cannot give up, and she never did.

My last visit was with Dr. Height was as I departed Detroit for my journey to Kansas in 2007. We were both in the airport boarding a plane from the funeral of mutual good friend, the late Floyd Washington. Dr. Height was as beautiful as usual and full of life. I greeted her and we embraced and I kissed her goodbye. She whispered to me, “Finish that Ph.D. – someone died so you could, and others are waiting on you to take your place, remember that Dear.” She then smiled and said, “I look forward to calling you Dr. soon.”

Today, I salute Dr. Height’s ability to always say just the right thing at the right time. I honor her great legacy today and her tireless efforts to advance all women across the world, but especially those who have no voice. Dr. Height, the best tribute we can give to you is to continue your work across the globe by always striving for excellence in everyone we do in our families, our work and our communities. Your legacy continues, Dr. Height! We will continue your work.

Rest in Peace,

Suzanne Mayo