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Vice President Harris to Deliver Eulogy for Sheila Jackson Lee

HOUSTON — Vice President Kamala Harris is set to deliver a eulogy for U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee on Thursday at a church in North Houston. This event concludes several days of remembrance for the influential Democratic lawmaker, who served as a notable figure in Congress for nearly thirty years.

Historically significant, Harris stands as the first Black woman to be a leading candidate for president from a major party, while Jackson Lee was celebrated as one of the most prominent Black women in Congress. Throughout her tenure, she championed critical initiatives, including efforts to safeguard women from domestic violence and the recognition of Juneteenth as a national holiday.

Sheila Jackson Lee passed away at the age of 74 on July 19, following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. In her tribute, Harris described Jackson Lee as “one of our nation’s fiercest, smartest, and most strategic leaders” and emphasized her impactful approach to driving progress.

Memorial services for Jackson Lee commenced on Monday, when hundreds gathered to pay their respects at Houston’s City Hall, where her casket was displayed under a flag. Notably, President Joe Biden honored her memory by laying flowers near her casket and conversing with her family.

The following days featured viewings at two churches, allowing many to share memories and honor her legacy.

First elected in 1995, Jackson Lee represented her Houston district, which encompasses the fourth-largest city in the United States. Her political career was marked by a previous battle with breast cancer and a later diagnosis of pancreatic cancer disclosed on June 2.

Before her time in Congress, Jackson Lee served on Houston’s city council from 1990 to 1994, laying the groundwork for an influential political career. Upon entering Congress, she quickly emerged as a dedicated advocate for women and minorities, taking the lead on numerous social justice issues, including police reform and reparations for the descendants of enslaved individuals. Notably, she oversaw the first major revision of the Violence Against Women Act in a decade, which expanded protections for various vulnerable groups, including Native American, transgender, and immigrant women.

Jackson Lee enjoyed a successful career in Congress, regularly securing reelection with substantial margins. However, she faced defeat in her recent attempt to become Houston’s mayor.

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Source
abcnews.go.com