U.S. Rep Sheila Jackson Lee, one of the longest serving members in Congress, broke barriers during her career in public service, always advocating for people of color, women, and becoming one of the most recognizable faces at Houston community events. The longtime Congresswoman passed away earlier this year from pancreatic cancer. Here’s more about the fierce political leader and her legacy.
The Early Years of Sheila Jackson Lee
Although a longtime Houstonian, Sheila Jackson Lee was born and raised in Queens, New York. She began college at New York University with a scholarship in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., but transferred to Yale to finish her degree. She moved to Houston with her husband Elwyn Lee in 1978. Her start in politics was difficult. In the 1980s, she lost three consecutive local judge races. However, Jackson Lee continued to persevere. In 1989, she became one of the first African-American women to serve in an at-large position on Houston City Council. In 1994, she beat out four-term incumbent U.S. Rep. Craig Washington to gain a seat in Congress.
Her Years Serving in Congress
As Congresswoman, Jackson Lee fought for those who didn’t have a voice, and was known for speaking on the House floor or before cameras on issues that she was passionate about. She sponsored about 50 Congressional bills every legislative session, more than double what a typical House member files. Jackson Lee also authored the Violence Against Women Act and helped establish Juneteenth as a federal holiday. In Houston, she was easy to spot at food drives, funerals, and other community events. At one point, she helped Houston receive $1 billion in federal funding for the light rail system in 2009, after approaching then-Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood right before President Obama’s joint address to Congress. She invited him to Houston on the spot. Jackson Lee did face some public criticism, specifically after audio of her demeaning staffers leaked last year. She apologized in a statement saying, “in my zeal to do everything possible to deliver for my constituents I have in the past fallen short of my own standards, and there is no excuse for that.”
Honoring Her Legacy
In June, Jackson Lee announced that she was battling pancreatic cancer. She died only a little over a month later on July 19, at the age of 74. Friends, family, and elected officials, including Vice President Kamala Harris, shared memories of Jackson Lee during her funeral at Fallbrook Church in August. She left behind her husband, and two children, Jason and Erica Lee. Her daughter, Erica, is currently filling out the rest of Jackson Lee’s term. In January, former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner will take over the position. To honor her legacy and work advocating for the school district, Spring ISD will rename their Family and Community Engagement Center after Jackson Lee.
