On Thursday, Vice President Kamala Harris will be delivering a eulogy for U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee at a North Houston church. This comes as the days of memorials for the veteran Democratic lawmaker are coming to an end.
Harris is on track to make history as the initial Black woman to be chosen as a presidential candidate for a major political party. Similarly, Jackson Lee has established herself as one of Congress’ most influential Black women for almost thirty years of service to her Texas district. In her role, she played a leading role in federal initiatives aimed at safeguarding women from domestic violence and officially recognizing Juneteenth as a national holiday.
After receiving treatment for pancreatic cancer, Jackson Lee passed away at the age of 74 on July 19. Senator Harris, who previously represented California, praised Jackson Lee in a statement following her passing, stating that she was a brilliant and strategic leader who was dedicated to achieving progress.
Hundreds of people paid their respects to Jackson Lee as her body laid in a flag-draped coffin inside Houston’s City Hall, marking the beginning of her services on Monday. Among the visitors was President Joe Biden, who paid his respects by placing a bouquet of flowers near her casket and meeting with Jackson Lee’s family.
Two churches held viewings in memory of Jackson Lee on Tuesday and Wednesday.
She had been representing her Houston-based district and the nation’s fourth-largest city since 1995. Having previously battled breast cancer, she revealed her pancreatic cancer diagnosis on June 2nd.
Jackson Lee’s prior experience includes serving on Houston’s city council from 1990 to 1994 before being elected to Congress.
Upon her initial election to office, Jackson Lee swiftly solidified her reputation as a passionate champion for underrepresented communities and a guiding force for Democratic lawmakers on a variety of social justice matters. From reimagining law enforcement practices to advocating for reparations for those descended from enslaved individuals, she has consistently been at the forefront of crucial issues. Notably, she spearheaded the initial revision of the Violence Against Women Act in nearly ten years, which notably extended vital safeguards to Native American, transgender, and immigrant women.
Jackson Lee had no trouble winning consecutive elections to Congress. However, her bid for the position of Houston’s mayor was unsuccessful last year.
