Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee served her constituents in Houston for more than three decades before passing away on July 19 at the age of 74.
Rep. Jackson Lee announced in June that she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was undergoing treatment to battle the disease “that impacts tens of thousands of Americans every year,” according to a statement from the family, which was published by the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).
Condolences, sentiments and words of comfort and reflections poured in from those impacted by this public servant who was unapologetically Black, unapologetically bold and who faithfully served her constituency.
The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan issued a statement on behalf of himself, his family and the Nation of Islam on the life and legacy of Rep. Jackson Lee (see page 2).
“A fierce champion of the people, she was affectionately and simply known as ‘Congresswoman’ by her constituents in recognition of her near-ubiquitous presence and service to their daily lives for more than 30 years,” a statement released by the Jackson Lee’s family said in part.
“A local, national, and international humanitarian, she was acknowledged worldwide for her courageous fights for racial justice, criminal justice, and human rights, with a special emphasis on women and children,” the statement continued.
“She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy.” Rep. Jackson Lee is survived by her husband, Elwyn Lee, and their two children.
Members of the public paid their respects as she lie in state at the Houston City Hall Rotunda on July 29, following a brief ceremony with the trailblazer’s family, city, and faith leaders. Additional memorial services are also scheduled, according to houstonpublicmedia.org.
On July 30, there will be a viewing and remembrance service at God’s Grace Community Church. On July 31 there will be a community viewing and farewell service at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. And on Aug. 1 there will be a celebration of life service at Fallbrook Church.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Congresswoman’s family, staff, and friends. This is a time for unity across Houston as we honor her life and legacy,” Houston Mayor John Whitmire remarked in a statement posted on houstontx.gov.
Elected to the House of Representatives in 1995 to represent the 18th Congressional District of Texas, Congresswoman Jackson Lee quickly became an influential and forceful voice in Washington. She was considered by many as the “voice of reason” in her dedication to upholding the Constitutional rights of all people.
“Today, the city of Houston and the House Democratic Caucus mourn a giant, the one and only Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Congresswoman Jackson Lee was an inimitable force for change and a warrior for justice over the course of her historic, trailblazing career,” said Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York in a statement released July 19.
During her tenure, Rep. Jackson Lee sat on three Congressional Committees—as a senior member of the House Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and the crucial Budget Committee.
In addition, she was appointed the first female Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee for Crime and Federal Government Surveillance, of which she served as Chair during the 117th Congress, according to her Congressional biography.
“Sheila Jackson Lee was an accomplished legislator, passionate public servant, loving mentor and wonderful friend to so many of us in the Congressional Black Caucus and House Democratic Caucus family.
I am grateful for her fearless advocacy, fierce determination, formidable service and legacy of leadership. Rep. Jackson Lee will be deeply missed by so many in her district and throughout the nation. Our prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time. May she forever rest in power,” continued Rep. Jeffries.
A champion for the people
Even as a politician, Rep. Jackson Lee was unapologetically Black. She authored and was the lead sponsor of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which established the first new federal holiday in 38 years.
It was signed into law three years ago, through her persistence throughout multiple Congresses dating back to 2013, noted Rep. Jeffries. “Known for proudly wearing her braided crown, Congresswoman Jackson Lee fought every day for the least, the lost and the left behind, and was a warrior for racial and economic justice,” he stated.
She also co-sponsored the “Crown Act” (H.R.2116), “Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act of 2022,” and introduced the Juvenile Accountability Block Grant Reauthorization and Bullying Prevention and Intervention Act, the Federal Prison Bureau Nonviolent Offender Relief Act.
Throughout her career, Rep. Jackson Lee was a champion for women and children, supporting the Paycheck Fairness Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and introducing an amendment to funding bills that provides for outreach to minority- and women-owned businesses concerning business opportunities in the commercial space industry. Additionally, she authored the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Research and Education Act.
She also reintroduced H.R.40, which was first introduced by the late Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.), which is the Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African-Americans Act.
Reparations movement organizations mourned her passing. “Her relentless efforts nearly brought HR 40 to passage in the House of Representatives in 2022, missing by just one vote.
Her leadership was pivotal in advancing the bill out of the Judiciary Committee in April 2021 after a historic debate,” Kamm Howard, a national and international reparations scholar and activist, said in a statement published by NNPA (The Black Press).
“Even after her diagnosis, Rep. Jackson Lee fiercely collaborated with reparations leaders, pushing for President Biden to establish an HR40-like commission by Executive Order. She believed this executive path was crucial for addressing centuries of injustice. Despite setbacks in meetings with the President’s team, she remained optimistic and urged us to stay ready for progress,” Mr. Howard continued.
A personal touch
Despite her national prominence, Rep. Jackson Lee never lost sight of the people she served. She was known for her personal touch, often spending weekends in her district meeting with constituents, listening to their concerns, and finding ways to help.
She was a true servant and friend, stated Nation of Islam Southwest Regional Student Minister Abdul Haleem Muhammad of Mosque No. 45 in Houston. “She invited me to be her guest at President (Barack) Obama’s final State of The Union Address. Congresswoman Jackson Lee also introduced me to the late Representative John Lewis,” he reflected.
“She did not deny her relationship with me, the mosque, the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, the Nation of Islam, or any of her constituents regardless of what anyone else thought. My heart is heavy. I’m truly going to miss her. May Allah (God) be pleased with her and bring comfort to all who mourn her passing,” concluded Student Min. Muhammad.
When Kofi Taharka, national chairperson for the National Black United Front (NBUF), learned that Rep. Jackson Lee had made her transition to the realm of the ancestors, he reflected on all of her interactions with NBUF over the years.
“Our sister original Black Panther Party member, midwife, activist, organizer, and humanitarian Ayanna Ade was on her deathbed suffering from late-stage breast cancer. The Congresswoman initiated a bedside visit for her son, who was in federal prison, with his mother before her transition.
Sheila called Ayanna, came to her bedside the day of the visit informing her, ‘You will see your son today.’ She also ensured he was able to attend her memorial and got an early release,” read Mr. Taharka’s July 20 statement.
Another example of Rep. Jackson Lee’s humanitarian efforts was her role in facilitating a 2018 visit between Mr. Taharka and the revolutionary former member of the Black Panther Party (BPP) and Black Liberation Army (BLA) Sundiata Acoli, who spent 49 years incarcerated as a political prisoner, continued Mr. Taharka.
“It was one of the most important experiences I have in my movement development. Sundiata and his supporters have always expressed appreciation for her efforts,” he stated.
“From NBUF’s perspective, the Congresswoman was often generally on the right side of issues. However, we would push for a more uncompromising proactive policy-based stance from her. She took the critique and kept the lines of communication open. Could we call Sheila and get a response? Yes,” he concluded.
A lasting legacy
Pastor Ja’Mail Johnson is lead pastor of The Word Church in Houston. His journey with Rep. Jackson Lee began during his time in Student Government at Texas Southern University, an HBCU. “Even then, I was blown away by her relentless dedication to serving our most vulnerable communities. Her passion and drive were palpable, and it was clear that she was a force for change,” he said.
Rep. Jackson Lee, throughout her illustrious career, was a beacon of hope locally in Houston and on the national stage, he continued. Working closely with her, he witnessed firsthand her unwavering commitment to making a difference, Pastor Johnson told The Final Call.
“As we celebrate her contributions and reflect on the legacy she leaves behind, it is clear that Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s impact will continue to be felt for generations to come. Her work has laid the foundation for a more just and equitable society, and her spirit of service will undoubtedly inspire future leaders to carry forward her mission.
In the words of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee herself, ‘Service is the rent we pay for living on this earth.’ She has more than paid her dues, leaving an enduring legacy of service that will forever be etched in the hearts and minds of those she has touched.”
Jasmyne Cannick is a Democratic campaign strategist and elected delegate in the L.A. County Democratic Party. She first met Rep. Jackson Lee years ago, when Ms. Cannick worked as a press secretary in the House of Representatives for Congresswoman Laura Richardson. Whenever their paths would cross, Rep. Jackson Lee was always nice to her, she reflected in a written statement to The Final Call.
“Congresswoman Jackson Lee was a tireless advocate for Black people and a fierce champion of justice. Her unwavering commitment to our community inspired me and countless others. She will forever be remembered for her relentless fight for equality and her powerful voice that spoke for the voiceless. Her legacy will live on in our hearts and actions,” said Ms. Cannick.
