Sheila Jackson Lee, a tireless advocate for justice and equality, passed away at the age of 74 from pancreatic cancer. A distinguished 1975 graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law, Jackson Lee’s three decades in Congress were marked by her unwavering dedication to civil rights and social justice.
Born in Queens, New York, in 1950, Sheila Jackson Lee’s path to public service was profoundly influenced by the assassination of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. This pivotal event propelled her to pursue higher education through a scholarship established in King’s memory, first at New York University and then at Yale University, where she earned her B.A. in political science and met her future husband, Elwyn Lee.
Jackson Lee’s legal career began after graduating from UVA Law, where she worked for the House Select Committee on Assassinations in Washington, D.C. She and her husband eventually moved to Houston, where she served as a municipal judge and a member of the City Council before being elected to represent Texas’ 18th District in Congress in 1994.
Throughout her congressional career, Jackson Lee was a formidable force for change. She was instrumental in passing significant legislation, such as making Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021, a landmark that honors the day when the last enslaved Black people in Texas were freed in 1865. Reflecting on this achievement, Jackson Lee said, “I thought about those slaves, who were born, lived and died, and never were honored, and never knew freedom.”
Her legislative efforts extended to the bipartisan Sentencing Reform Act of 2015, which reduced prison terms for nonviolent drug offenses, and the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act in 2021. She also introduced bills aimed at fair pay for women, expunging youths’ criminal records, and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which sought to create uniform standards for police training and accountability.
Jackson Lee’s commitment to her constituents in Houston was evident in her personal engagement with their lives. She attended weddings, funerals, graduations, and other key events, embodying the spirit of community and service. Her dedication earned her the affectionate moniker “Congresswoman” among her constituents.
President Joe Biden praised Jackson Lee as “unrelenting” in her leadership, describing her as a “great American” who spoke truth to power with dignity and grace. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries remembered her as an “inimitable force for change,” and Congressman Al Green highlighted her role as an advocate for justice and a friend to the friendless.
Sheila Jackson Lee’s legacy extends beyond her legislative accomplishments. She was a founding member and co-chair of the Congressional Children’s Caucus and played a pivotal role in various committees, including the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and the Budget committees. Her work impacted millions, but her family remembers her most as a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.
She is survived by her husband, Elwyn Lee; her children, Erica and Jason; and two grandchildren. As her family stated, “Her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy.”
Sheila Jackson Lee’s life was a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of dedicated public service. Her contributions to society will be remembered and cherished by those who were fortunate enough to witness her unwavering commitment to making the world a more just and equitable place.
