…Honoring His Memory On What Would Have Been Mickey’s 80^th Birthday

As a founding member of the Mickey Leland Youth Task Force at the age of nine, alongside my sister, who was eleven, I reflect on how much his legacy has shaped my life. Now, at 53 years old, I carry vivid memories of witnessing Mickey Leland’s impactful work in the community, in Washington, and in Africa.

Though yesterday is gone forever, his mission reminds us there is still much to do. Mickey Leland was more than a congressman—he was a warrior against hunger and a champion for creating educational opportunities. Through programs like the Kibbutz Program with the Jewish community and the Student Exchange Program with Kenya, he ensured youth had transformative experiences that expanded their worldview and understanding.

On November 27, I celebrate the memories of this beacon of light as we mark what would have been his 80th birthday. Mickey Leland’s life was a testament to extraordinary leadership. From his beginnings in Lubbock, Texas, in 1944, to his journey to Houston’s 5th Ward, and his relentless mission on Capitol Hill, he dedicated himself to eradicating hunger, addressing healthcare, and uplifting the lives of the forgotten. His work still inspires and calls us to action today.

These formative experiences instilled in Leland an unwavering dedication to justice, equity, and opportunity for all. His journey to Congress was fueled by a deep passion for service. After graduating from Phillis Wheatley High School in Houston’s 5th Ward, he pursued his education at Texas Southern University, becoming a pharmacist. However, his true calling was in the community among the people, where he organized free medical clinics for underserved neighborhoods. Through this work, he witnessed the stark realities of hunger and poverty firsthand, igniting a resolve to tackle these challenges on a broader scale.

In 1978, Leland was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Texas’s 18th congressional district. He wasted no time taking hunger to Capitol Hill, believing it was unacceptable for anyone to starve in a world of plenty. “Hunger knows no boundaries,” he often said, “and our fight must be just as boundless.” As the chair of the House Select Committee on Hunger, Leland’s efforts transcended partisan politics. He brought international attention to the plight of famine-stricken regions, particularly in Africa, where millions were starving. In 1985, he led congressional delegations to Ethiopia, drawing the world’s eyes to the devastation. His advocacy resulted in increased funding for food aid programs and partnerships with global organizations to combat hunger.

At home, Leland championed policies to address prescription drug costs, homelessness, and the challenges facing low-income communities. He understood that hunger was often a symptom of larger systemic issues. He fought for housing programs to support the homeless and economic initiatives to create jobs for unskilled and under-skilled workers. His efforts provided a lifeline to countless families who had lost hope. Leland’s ability to connect with people—whether a world leader or a struggling parent—was unparalleled. “Once you met Mickey, you felt like you’d known him forever,” his colleagues often said. His passion inspired action and his charisma drew supporters from all walks of life. Tragically, Mickey Leland’s life was cut short on August 7, 1989, when his plane crashed in Ethiopia during a humanitarian mission to deliver food and medical supplies to refugees.

The world lost a bold and compassionate leader, but his legacy endures. Today, programs he championed continue to provide food, housing, and opportunities for those in need. Statues and schools bear his name, but his greatest monument is the lives he touched and the movements he ignited. Mickey Leland believed that hunger and poverty were not insurmountable. “We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers,” he often reminded others. Through his life and work, he proved that one person’s determination could indeed change the world.

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♦ Rep Jarvis Johnson represents House District 139. In 2005, Johnson was elected to the Houston City Council to represent District B, making him one of the youngest Council Members in history.

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INTERNATIONAL GUARDIAN is the boldest and brightest issue-oriented international newspaper published in Houston, Texas. Strategically, it strives to promote private enterprise, support responsible government and advocate social justice.

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Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has sparked controversy within her Democratic Party circle by publicly endorsing the contentious $4.4 billion Houston ISD bond less than two weeks before the upcoming election. In a recent social media post, Hidalgo revealed that a recent tour of an HISD school facility had shed light on the urgent need for additional funding, despite the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) recent takeover of the district.

The bond, which is divided into two separate propositions, has faced significant backlash in recent months. Surprisingly, both Harris County Republicans and Democrats have united in opposition to the bond, citing concerns about potential mismanagement by the current leadership.

However, Hidalgo’s stance is rooted in her firsthand observations during the school tour. She raised the alarm at the inadequate conditions she witnessed, such as a mere fence separating the exterior from six classrooms, a musty smell emanating from the library due to a damaged HVAC system, and using mobile units from 1990 that were only designed to last 10 years. Additionally, she noted that the narrow walkways and lack of proper canopies made it difficult for students and staff during inclement weather, and classrooms’ heating and cooling systems were insufficient. Indeed, Hidalgo’s decision to support the bond is based on her commitment to addressing the pressing needs of HISD students and staff, as highlighted by her eye-opening visit to the school facility.

To provide a comprehensive understanding of the Bond Proposal, let’s break it down: The proposal consists of two parts – Proposition A and Proposition B. Proposition A aims to enhance the district’s buildings and facilities. If approved, HISD will have the opportunity to borrow $3.96 billion for crucial repairs and upgrades. On the other hand, Proposition B focuses on enhancing technology in HISD schools, with a proposed borrowing of $440 million to modernize technology across all schools.

The Bond Proposal currently under consideration is undeniably significant, representing the first time in 12 years that HISD has sought funding for improvements. If approved, it would also become the largest bond in the history of the state of Texas. Major supporters of the bond, such as the Houston Food Bank, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, Mental Health America of Greater Houston, and Children at Risk, have valid concerns. They are particularly focused on the challenges faced by students in deteriorating school facilities.

However, there might be a glaring oversight in their assessment – the ability of HISD’s current leadership to effectively manage this initiative.  Since assuming the role of Superintendent of the Houston Independent School District in June of 2023, Mike Miles has consistently been making headlines, albeit for all the wrong reasons. Despite his responsibilities in organizing, leading, directing, policy-making, and execution, Miles has failed to pass every test required to excel in his position. He has consistently struggled to lead this school district. Teachers are feeling distressed and uncertain about their roles, parents are worried about their children’s future, and students are losing interest in their education. The situation at HISD is dire, and it is clear that a change in leadership may be necessary to restore trust and stability within the district.

It is not surprising that former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and other local leaders who oppose the bond have expressed concerns regarding this proposal. They criticized Miles and his administration for not seeking sufficient input in developing the bond proposal. Bishop James Dixon, who heads the local National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) chapter, also criticized the lack of transparency in the bond proposal process. The Harris County Democratic Party Executive Committee voted unanimously to oppose it.  Their party Chair Mike Doyle suggested that the funds should be in the hands of an elected representative, not Miles.

These criticisms underscore the critical need for transparency and community involvement in decision-making processes, particularly when it comes to allocating public funds. Superintendent Miles failed to actively engage all stakeholders, including community members and organizations, to ensure that the needs and priorities of the people were adequately addressed. The opposition ultimately stems from a lack of trust. Many believe that Miles cannot be trusted to responsibly manage billions in taxpayer money.

In less than two weeks, voters will see HISD’s bond divided into two items on their ballots, one totaling approximately $4 billion and the other around $400 million. Voters must carefully consider the implications of passing such a large bond, especially when there are concerns about the leadership within HISD. Judge Hidalgo and other supporters of this bond must move beyond their emotions. It is widely recognized that HISD is facing challenges and requires assistance. Ultimately, the success of this bond will depend on not just the amount of funding allocated, but also on the ability of HISD’s leadership to effectively implement and oversee its use.

♦Publisher of the Guardian News, Professor Anthony Obi Ogbo, PhD, is on the Editorial Board of the West African Pilot News. He is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015)  and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

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Texas Guardian News

INTERNATIONAL GUARDIAN is the boldest and brightest issue-oriented international newspaper published in Houston, Texas. Strategically, it strives to promote private enterprise, support responsible government and advocate social justice.

Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)

• Champion for the Hungry: The Legacy of Congressman Mickey Leland - November 29, 2024
• Trump demands Republicans ‘kill’ bill that would protect journalists from government spying - November 22, 2024
• USCIS Simplifies the Path to U.S. Citizenship for Long-Term Permanent Residents - November 22, 2024

The ongoing feud between Houston Mayor John Whitmire and the city’s chief financial officer, Controller Chris Hollins, is escalating into a distracting political spectacle.

During a heated press conference last week, Whitmire accused Hollins of engaging in pay-to-play by seeking sponsorships for a local annual investor conference. Whitmire’s main concern is that Hollins openly sought sponsorships reaching up to $100,000, with top sponsors being promised access to a private dinner with him, as stated in a document on the city’s website. Whitmire announced that he had launched an ethics investigation into the matter.

The ongoing feud between Houston Mayor John Whitmire and the city’s chief financial officer, Controller Chris Hollins, is escalating into a distracting political spectacle.

During a heated press conference last week, Whitmire accused Hollins of engaging in pay-to-play by seeking sponsorships for a local annual investor conference. Whitmire’s main concern is that Hollins openly sought sponsorships reaching up to $100,000, with top sponsors being promised access to a private dinner with him, as stated in a document on the city’s website. Whitmire announced that he had launched an ethics investigation into the matter.

In response, Hollins swiftly retaliated by submitting a memo to the City of Houston’s Office of Inspector General and the Houston City Council Ethics Committee, requesting that the investigation be expanded to include fundraising practices for the Mayor’s State of the City event. Hollins defended his actions by explaining that he utilized the same fundraising model for the Investor Conference that the Mayor had used for the State of the City event. The key difference is that the Mayor controls the proceeds from the State of the City, while proceeds from the Investor Conference are directed to a non-profit donor-advised fund, where an independent body has exclusive spending authority.

The two men have publicly disagreed over the city’s finances, but the latest drama marked a new level of animosity. Earlier this year, for instance, the duo clashed over Whitmire’s proposed $1.5 billion settlement with the firefighter’s union. Tensions escalated when Hollins halted the process and raised additional questions about the agreement. Hollins also argued that the Mayor did not provide him with enough time to assess the financial impact the contract would have on the city’s finances. In response, Whitmire, who played a significant role in negotiating the settlement, emphasized the need for swift approval to prevent any potential legal challenges that could result in the city being liable for a larger sum than agreed upon.

However, this recent clash with Hollins is just the tip of the iceberg. Since taking office as Houston’s mayor, Whitmire has frequently made headlines for his conflicts with other public officials, many of whom are fellow members of his Democratic Party.

Do you remember the Whitmire versus Hidalgo drama? Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo supported the late Sheila Jackson Lee, Whitmire’s rival in a contentious mayoral race. Since Whitmire won and took office, his attitude towards Hidalgo and others who supported Jackson Lee has been quite vindictive. Whitmire has made it nearly impossible to meet with Hidalgo in person, even during major weather events that have hit Houston.

The officials had held separate briefings due to this ongoing discord. On May 16, they held their first joint news conference after an unexpected windstorm ravaged Houston. The exchange was disgraceful and awkward, with both even squabbling over who should speak at the podium. Whitmire remarked, “I’m glad I made the approval list,” to which Hidalgo responded, “Mayor, this is a disaster. Now is not the time.”

That was not the end of it. A month later, Whitmire stirred controversy with a derogatory comment on Hidalgo’s Facebook page regarding her bridal shower. Hidalgo had posted photos from the event, including one with her fiancé David James. Commenting from his official Facebook page, Whitmire wrote, “Wonderful. He sure looks like a nerd.” Whitmire’s comment generated awkward headlines and distractions from important policy matters for another week.

It is concerning that Whitmire has consistently found himself embroiled in controversies, yet appears unfazed by the backlash. In June, he sparked yet another contentious moment by stating to a news outlet that residents of Gulfton in Houston are predominantly undocumented immigrants seeking basic services and may not be welcomed in the Galleria. This comment prompted numerous local organizations to unite in signing and sending a letter demanding an apology for remarks they deemed highly offensive.

One significant concern with electing individuals of advanced age or nearing retirement to key political positions is that they often realize they have no long-term career to safeguard. This can ultimately result in a lack of decorum within the decision-making process, as these individuals prioritize their own agendas over the needs of those they are meant to serve.  In the long run, this shortsighted approach can have detrimental effects on the overall stability and prosperity of the constituency.

The approach taken by Mayor John Whitmire aligns well with the above analogy. At 75 years old, he has essentially reached the conclusion of his illustrious political career. Yet as his ongoing political dramas continue to captivate public attention, one cannot help but question his capacity to organize people. His behavior has become a major topic in the media, diverting attention from his official duties and raising concerns about his ability to work effectively with officials who would not agree with him. Ultimately, it is up to Whitmire to address these issues.

♦Publisher of the Guardian News, Professor Anthony Obi Ogbo, PhD, is on the Editorial Board of the West African Pilot News. He is the author of the Influence of Leadership (2015)  and the Maxims of Political Leadership (2019). Contact: anthony@guardiannews.us

• About
• Latest Posts

Texas Guardian News

INTERNATIONAL GUARDIAN is the boldest and brightest issue-oriented international newspaper published in Houston, Texas. Strategically, it strives to promote private enterprise, support responsible government and advocate social justice.

Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)

• Champion for the Hungry: The Legacy of Congressman Mickey Leland - November 29, 2024
• Trump demands Republicans ‘kill’ bill that would protect journalists from government spying - November 22, 2024
• USCIS Simplifies the Path to U.S. Citizenship for Long-Term Permanent Residents - November 22, 2024