Hilary Rodham Clinton, Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou head salute to Dorothy Height

Dorothy Height, chair and president emerita of the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), was honored at a black-tie affair in Washington, D.C., led by Oprah Winfrey, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Susan Taylor and Maya Angelou.

"Uncommon Height, the Legends Celebrate the Legend" was a star-studded salute to Height, 86, who has served for more than six decades as a warrior for human rights.

"We thank you, Dorothy Height, for being the bridge of the century," said the Rev. Jesse Jackson as he led the room in a standing ovation after he introduced the keynote speaker and NCNW Honorary Patron, first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton.

"I am thrilled to be part of this evening to honor a great friend of social justice, equality, women and people everywhere," said Mrs. Clinton. "[Dorothy Height] has... led the fight to create a world where all people have the opportunity to reach their God-given potential."

"When we wanted inspiration, when we wanted an example of what was possible, we could always look up to these uncommon heights and the woman who has reached them," said Mrs. Clinton.

As the first lady introduced the woman of the evening, the audience rose to its feet and cheered for Dorothy Height in recognition of her courage and her accomplishments.

"I can stand here and thank all of you because I am the beneficiary of so many uncommon opportunities, and so many uncommon relationships...", said Ms. Height. "For as long as God will let me live, I want to give to the struggle for equality and freedom."

Another highlight of the evening came when Maya Angelou was joined on stage by Oprah Winfrey and together they saluted Ms. Height through Angelou's poem Phenomenal Woman.

The audience cheered and laughed as the two legendary women delivered their dramatic interpretation of the poem that describes the exceptional characteristics of Black women.

The gala, which was attended by nearly 1000 people, was chaired by William Clay Ford Jr., Ford Motor Co. Finance Committee Chairman; and produced by Nederlander Associates in conjunction with Quincy Jones.

Some of the VIP guests included Rosa Parks, Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater, Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman, Marion Barry and Cora Masters-Barry, Gladys Knight, James Farmer, Camille Cosby, Marian Wright Edelman, C. Delores Tucker and Rev. A1 Sharpton.

At the end of the evening guests were entertained by musical selections from singer-songwriter team Ashford & Simpson.

They sang a medley of songs which included I'm Every Woman, You're All I Need to Get By, and Why Shouldn't It Be Me (with Maya Angelou).

World-renowned opera singer Jessye Norman also sang several soul-stirring renditions that included Get on Board, Deep River, and Summer Time (from Porgy and Bess).