Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a prominent advocate for Black Americans and a long-time supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement, has passed away at the age of 74 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
In a statement, her family described her as “a fierce champion of the people,” adding that she was affectionately known as “Congresswoman” by her constituents in recognition of her extensive service to their daily lives over more than three decades.
Born on January 12, 1950, in Queens, New York, Sheila Jackson Lee was a trailblazer in both her academic and political career. She was one of the first women to graduate from Yale University. Before her tenure in Congress, Jackson Lee served as a judge in the Houston Municipal Courts and as a councilwoman on the Houston City Council.
In 1994, she made history by defeating a Democratic incumbent in the primary election and becoming the representative for Texas’ 18th Congressional District, a seat she has held ever since. Last month, she disclosed her diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. Jackson Lee had previously battled breast cancer, having been diagnosed in 2011 and announced cancer-free the following year.
Jackson Lee was recognized globally for her tireless work in racial justice, criminal justice, and human rights, particularly focusing on women and children. Her legislative victories include establishing the Juneteenth Federal Holiday and reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act.
“She impacted us most as our beloved wife, sister, mother, and Bebe (grandmother),” her family stated. “She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy.”
Before her congressional career, Jackson Lee served as a judge and was elected to an at-large Houston City Council seat in 1989. Last year, she ran an unsuccessful campaign for Houston mayor, losing to then-state Senator John Whitmire before announcing her re-election bid for Congress.
Sources By Agencies
