Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Dies At 74

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Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), the beloved Texas congresswoman who has been at the center of U.S.politics for 30 years, died Friday night, KHOU11 reports. She was 74 years old.

Jackson Lee‘s family issued the following statement:

“With incredible grief for our loss yet deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th Congressional District of Texas.

“A local, national, and international humanitarian, she was acknowledged worldwide for her courageous fights for racial justice, criminal justice, and human rights, with a special emphasis on women and children.

“She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire all who believe in freedom, justice, and democracy. God bless you Congresswoman and God bless the United States of America.

As NewsOne previously reported, Jackson Lee confirmed her pancreatic cancer diagnosis in June, stating, in part, that she was “confident” in her doctors’ treatment plan.

“My adult life has been defined by my faith in God, my love for humanity and my commitment to public service. As a member of Congress, I’ve been honored to be one of the leaders in the fight for justice and equality for all; especially the disadvantaged and the dispossessed. Today, my fight is more personal, but I will approach it with the same faith and the same courage.”

Jackson Lee served the 18th Congressional District for 30 years, calling it “one of [her] greatest honors.”

Former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner issued this statement:

“I am deeply saddened by the death of my dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. From City Hall to the Halls of Congress, Sheila Jackson Lee has served her constituents well. She has written and passed key legislation and has stood on the floor of the United States House of Representatives speaking passionately for the interests of her district and the country she loved. She has worked with and advised Presidents of our great country, met with global leaders, and has been embraced by world renowned artists. But her work on the ground, in some of the poorest and under-resourced communities; the channeling of billions of federal dollars back to her district; her presence at someone’s bedside, giving words of comfort to families who lost loved ones; her appearances at places of worship and events showcasing the global diversity of our City; and her uncanny ability to be everywhere, working every day for those who needed a champion, made her truly exceptional.”

Turner continued:

“When she was elected to the United States House of Representatives she stood in the shadow of Barbara Jordan, Mickey Leland and Craig Washington. Without question, she rose to the occasion and served with great distinction. Even if you disagreed with her politics, you had to respect her work ethic. We can honestly say Sheila Jackson Lee left it all on the field. Rest in peace my sister. Thank you for all you gave us.  And, thank you to her family for sharing her with us.  We will not forget her sacrifice or yours.  Sheila – to God be the glory for the good you have done. It was truly a job well done!”

https://x.com/sylvesterturner/status/1814499497361224115?s=46&t=kSXIjsOCglfUL0Vib5Dicg

Jackson Lee recently reintroduced a sweeping criminal justice reform bill named for George Floyd ahead of the fourth anniversary of his police murder in Minneapolis.

“Far too many lives have been lost or forever changed due to unacceptable incidents of police brutality throughout our nation,” Jackson Lee told reporters on May 24 during a press conference announcing the reintroduction of the George Floyd Justice In Policing Act, which has languished in legislative limbo for years because of Senate Republicans’ filibustering. “We cannot allow another American to be deprived of his or her humanity, dignity and constitutional right without taking action.”

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This is a developing story. Please continue to check NewsOne for updates as we honor the life a political titan Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.

SEE ALSO:

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Easily Wins Texas Primary Months After Houston Mayor Runoff Loss

Pancreatic Cancer Has Been A Major Killer Of Black People

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