Written by Michael Thervil
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee who was born in 1950, died on Friday night July 20, 2024, as she fell victim to pancreatic cancer. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee who has been involved in politics over 3 decades has been a champion of selfless service for millions of U.S. Citizens across America. Even though she is known as a Houston Legend, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee was born in New York City and graduated from Yale University in 1972 with her Bachelor of Arts in political Science and then again graduated with her Juris Doctorate in 1975 from the University of Virginia School of Law.
In 1995 Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, became a Municipal Judge from 1987 to 1990. After that she became part of the Houston City Council and served the City of Houston by doing her best to curb violence throughout the city of Houston as well as working on campaigns to keep children safe from the unauthorized possession of firearms. But it would be until 1994 that Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee would run and win a seat in the 110th U.S. Congress which served in this capacity until 1995.
According to sources, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee led the charge when it came to the passing of the following legislative items:
“Sentencing Reform Act, the George Floyd Law Enforcement Trust and Integrity Act, The RAISE Act, The Fair Chance for Youth Act, the Kimberly Vaughan Firearm Safe Storage Act, Kaleif's Law, the American RISING Act.”
Other notable legislative items Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee championed was the Essential Transportation Worker Credential Assessment Act and getting “Juneteenth” recognized as a federal holiday in Texas. It should also be mentioned that Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee also ran to become the Mayor of Houston. Although she was unsuccessful against the now mayor John Whitmire, it was an attempt that is more noteworthy. It was also reported that Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee was named as one of the 50 most effective members of congress. Moreover, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee has sat on several committees, boards, and caucuses throughout her political career which has protected and benefited the common man not only in the state of Texas, but throughout the continental United States.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee should always be remembered for not only her outstanding skills as an orator, but her uncanny ability to find and raise funds for the people of Houston. Whether it be funds for the victims of national disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Harvey, or providing Congressional Awards for the recognition of people who have and are continuing to do great things across the nation such as Allen Thornton of the 40 acres and a Mule celebratory conference which celebrates the lives and contributions of Black Americans throughout the country, to the multitude of food drives and other humanitarian projects that Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee has not only attended but participated in. There simply can't be enough said about the life and legacy of selfless service that Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee left behind which is sure to benefit millions of people after her passing Friday night.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee is a gem that will undoubtedly be missed by millions of people across the United States of America.
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