The nation mourns the loss of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed away at 74 after a courageous battle with cancer. Known for her tireless advocacy for Black Americans and a formidable presence in Congress, Lee’s passing marks the end of a distinguished career dedicated to justice, equality, and the betterment of her community.
Sheila Jackson Lee was born on January 12, 1950, in Queens, New York. She graduated from Yale University in 1972, as part of one of the first classes of women at the university, and went on to earn her law degree from the University of Virginia Law School in 1975. After moving to Houston, Texas, she quickly made a name for herself as a passionate community leader. She served as a judge and a member of the Houston City Council, where she championed causes like civil rights, healthcare, and education.
In 1995, Lee was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Texas’s 18th congressional district. For nearly three decades in Congress, she was a fierce advocate for the rights and well-being of Black Americans and other marginalized communities. Her legislative efforts covered a wide range of issues, including criminal justice reform, healthcare access, voting rights, and economic equity.
Lee was known for never shying away from difficult battles. She played a crucial role in the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, fighting hard for protections against voter suppression. She also introduced numerous bills to address systemic racism within the criminal justice system, striving for meaningful reform and accountability. She is the author and lead sponsor of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which established the first new federal holiday in 38 years.
Beyond the legislative halls, Lee was a familiar face at rallies, town halls, and community events, always ready to listen to her constituents and amplify their voices on the national stage. She was a mentor to countless young activists and lawmakers, inspiring a new generation to continue the fight for justice and equality.
Sheila Jackson Lee often used her trademark chutzpah to secure federal funds for Houston. In 2009, she secured $1 billion for the city’s light rail system after cornering then-Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood ahead of then-President Barack Obama’s first joint address to Congress. She was reliably seen in the aisle ahead of the State of the Union address, one of the few members to directly meet with the president on his way to the dais.
Even in her final years, as she battled cancer, Lee’s dedication to her work remained unshaken. She continued to serve her district with the same passion and tenacity that had defined her career, pushing forward with her legislative agenda and ensuring that her constituents’ needs were always a top priority.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues, constituents, and admirers across the country. President Biden remarked in a statement:
“Sheila Jackson Lee was a great American. I had the honor of working with her during her nearly 30 years in Congress. No matter the issue – from delivering racial justice to building an economy for working people – she was unrelenting in her leadership. Always fearless, she spoke truth to power and represented the power of the people of her district in Houston with dignity and grace…Those character traits established her as a towering figure in our politics. We saw it through her efforts to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, make Juneteenth a federal holiday, reintroduce the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, and so much more. Her character revealed itself time and again, including in her battle against cancer. Her brilliant spirit was unbreakable. Sheila Jackson Lee is part of a long line of patriots who delivered the promise of America to all Americans. Jill and I send our love and condolences to her family, her constituents, and beloved colleagues of the Congressional Black Caucus. May God bless our friend, Sheila Jackson Lee.
Vice President Kamala Harris also paid her respects, saying, “Sheila Jackson Lee was a dear friend for many years, and a fellow member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. As a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I had the opportunity to work closely with her on many issues and to observe her leadership firsthand. She was relentless—one of our nation’s fiercest, smartest, and most strategic leaders in the way she thought about how to make progress happen. There was never a trite or trivial conversation with the Congresswoman. She was always fighting for the people of Houston and the people of America.”
Sheila Jackson Lee was also fervent advocate for the unification of the African Diaspora. She was close friends with many African political leaders, including former Ghanaian President Jerry John Rawlings. As the keynote speaker at the 2019 BlackStars Awards Gala, she reflected on the importance of the African Diaspora coming together, emphasizing the power of solidarity and shared purpose.
As the nation reflects on the life and legacy of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, it is clear that her impact will be felt for generations to come.
Sheila Jackson Lee is survived by her husband, Dr. Elwyn Lee, and their two children, Erica and Jason, who have expressed their profound gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from across the nation.
Funeral arrangements are pending, according to the family.
“Her legislative victories impacted millions, from establishing the Juneteenth Federal Holiday to reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. However, she impacted us most as our beloved wife, sister, mother, and Bebe (grandmother),” her family said. “She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy.”
