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Sheila Jackson-Lee, Champion for Liberal Causes Fights till End

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6 months ago

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Despite her diagnosis and ongoing treatment, Jackson-Lee fought tirelessly for her district until her final moments.

Less than two weeks after Hurricane Beryl wreaked havoc on Houston, the city faces yet another tragedy. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, a prominent Texas Democrat known for her advocacy for racial justice and progressive causes during her three decades in the House, passed away on Friday at the age of 74.

Her death was announced in a statement from her family posted on X: “Today, with incredible grief for our loss yet deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th Congressional District of Texas. A fierce champion of the people, she was affectionately and simply known as “Congresswoman” by her constituents in recognition for her near-ubiquitous presence and service to their daily lives for more than 30 years.”

Her passing may not have come as a shock to many of her constituents. For instance, In June, Jackson-Lee revealed that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in a post on X. She expressed confidence in her doctors’ treatment plan and stated, “The road ahead will be challenging, but I have faith that God will give me strength.” Indeed, throughout her career, Lee had been a strong advocate for healthcare access and cancer research, so it was fitting that she approached her own battle with such determination.

Despite her diagnosis and ongoing treatment, Jackson-Lee fought tirelessly for her district until her final moments. Just last week, she made a passionate plea to the federal government, urging the Department of Justice to investigate CenterPoint Energy, a public utility company based in Houston, Texas for their handling of power outages during Hurricane Beryl. In a display of frustration, she took to social media, stating, “Many Houstonians have been without power for a week! Some have ended up in the emergency room due to extreme heat, and tragically, a woman has lost her life. This cannot continue! It is time for a federal investigation into CenterPoint! Accountability is essential!”

She did not stop there. She wrote a formal letter to Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and requested immediate action from the Department of Justice to investigate CenterPoint, emphasizing the need to hold the company accountable for its actions in restoring power to vulnerable residents, businesses, and government entities in Houston and Harris County.

Less than 8 hours after Jackson Lee’s passing, hundreds of condolences from government officials and members of the community have been flooding in. Former Houston Mayor and congressional colleague Sylvester Turner expressed his condolences, and highlighted Jackson-Lee’s impressive career, noting that she worked closely with and advised Presidents of the United States, engaged with global leaders, and was embraced by world-renowned artists. He also emphasized her dedication to serving underprivileged communities, securing billions of federal dollars for her district, and providing comfort to families in times of loss.

Turner further praised Jackson-Lee’s unwavering commitment to her constituents, describing her as a tireless champion for those in need. He concluded by saying, “We can truly say Sheila Jackson Lee gave her all. Rest in peace, my sister.”

Houston Mayor John Whitmire praised Jackson Lee as a devoted public servant and a fierce advocate for her constituents. Despite battling illness, she tirelessly worked for the 18th Congressional District, collaborating with Whitmire on various projects.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo fondly remembered Jackson Lee as a friend, mentor, and relentless champion for her community. Hidalgo admired Jackson Lee’s fearlessness in using her voice to effect change not only for her constituents but for all of Harris County.

Professor Chris Ulasi, Dean of the School of Communication at Texas Southern University, and a close friend of Jackson Lee, hailed her as a true leader and a staunch ally of the university. Ulasi commended Jackson Lee’s unwavering commitment to public service and social justice, recognizing her profound impact on the community and beyond. According to Dr. Ulasi, “As a steadfast supporter of Texas Southern University and the School of Communication, Congresswoman Jackson Lee served as a guiding light for our students, faculty, and staff. Her presence on our campus, empowering TSU commencement speeches, and dedication to fostering the next generation of leaders will forever be treasured and honored.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott praised her as a proud Texan and a relentless champion for the people of Houston, stating, “Her commitment to public service and dedication to Texas will be remembered for years to come.” Senator Ted Cruz also expressed his condolences, calling Jackson-Lee a friend and colleague, and highlighting her unwavering advocacy for Houston.

Jackson Lee was born in Queens, New York to a comic book artist father and nurse mother. She graduated from Jamaica High School, Yale University, and the University of Virginia School of Law. After moving to Houston with her husband, she became a municipal judge and later served on the Houston City Council from 1989 to 1994. During her time on the council, she worked on passing a safety ordinance regarding guns and promoted expanded summer hours at parks and recreation centers to address gang violence.

In addition to her assertive advocacy in politics, social justice, and equality, Houstonians will always remember Jackson Lee’s presence at virtually every community event. She possesses an intimate knowledge of her 18th Congressional District, akin to the Pope’s familiarity with the Vatican, and is well-acquainted with every community center, leader, and place of worship in the area.

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Champion for the Hungry: The Legacy of Congressman Mickey Leland

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2 months ago

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November 29, 2024

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

_______________

♦ 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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AFROTECH™ 2024 — NAACP President Derrick Johnson Shares Special Reflections

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2 months ago

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November 22, 2024

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…Says ‘If I’m Not Working To Create Black Wealth, Then I’m Not Doing My Job’

The AFROTECH 2024 Conference kicked off in Houston on Wednesday, Nov. 13, bringing tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and cultural leaders together for an unforgettable experience.

Day 1 started with dynamic networking opportunities, engaging experiences and meaningful conversations, setting the tone for the week as attendees gathered at the Culture Park Stage, presented by Lexus, for music, wellness and community programming. On Wednesday, there was an opening ceremony featuring a marching band and a compelling address by Blavity Co-Founder and CEO Morgan DeBaun, who spoke on community, innovation and the future. The event concluded with a discussion from Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP, the nation’s largest civil rights organization, focusing on “The Power of Our Now: Taking Ownership in AI and Our Rights.”

One of the key issues DeBaun pointed to was the gap in funding stages, noting that Black entrepreneurs often struggle to make it past the early rounds of seed funding.

She asked Johnson about the reactions received since the Oct. 25 announcement regarding the launch of NAACP Capital. The $200 million fund of funds for investors, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurs in New York City , NY, aims to invest in fund managers and startups that work to close the gaps affecting communities of color , according to a press release .

“We’re very positive,” Johnson said.

Johnson referenced the Fearless Fund , which recently discontinued its Strivers Grant program for Black-woman-owned businesses after facing pressure from outside forces. He emphasized the need for innovative approaches to funding and highlighted how some investors prey on entrepreneurs by buying out their ideas and intellectual property at vulnerable stages.

“The goal here is, how do we get you over that hump?” he told the crowd. “So you’re not falling prey to losing your intellectual property to these problems.”

In sharing what he wanted to leave the group with, Johnson told DeBaun he was impressed with her phenomenal empire, adding that it was essential and a room he needed to be in.

“What you have done is prove Black folks can work together, we can do it successfully and that this is possible. That’s key,” Johnson said. “Secondly, the narrative about the generational fight, you know, young people don’t do this, and old people do that. We don’t have any time for us vs. us.”

He described the conference as “the future of the civil rights movement,” emphasizing that the movement has always been about human rights and self-determination.

“It is being able to be self-determined that our human essence is an exploited second stool for cheap or free labor, and third stool, and we are able to create more critical thinkers,” Johnson added. “What COVID taught us is our young people are no longer learning, sitting in stale classrooms with outdated textbooks that actually are old ones. Today is printed as already old. And then we have to innovate. And so I need to be in this room, I could be in a room with, you know, elected officials. They’re boring, and they lost, and I ain’t got time for them. “

In the end, he encouraged the crowd to “stay focused” and most importantly, “stay Black.”

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Houston

21st Igbofest Houston to Celebrate Igbo Heritage and Culture at Discovery Green

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3 months ago

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November 7, 2024

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The 21st Annual Igbofest Houston returns on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Discovery Green, welcoming the community to a celebration of Igbo culture, tradition, and heritage. This year’s festival will run from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm and promises a vibrant display of traditional Igbo music, dance, art, and culinary delights, set against the iconic Houston skyline.

With nearly two decades of fostering cultural unity and understanding, Igbofest Houston remains a beloved community gathering that brings the spirit of Nigeria’s Igbo people to life in the heart of Texas. This year’s festival is set to feature performances from both local and international acts, including traditional dancers, masquerades, live Afrobeat artists, and captivating cultural presentations.

Highlights of the event include:

  • Masquerade Dance Performance: Traditional Igbo masquerades (known as Mmanwu) will grace the festival with their unique dance and colorful costumes, symbolizing ancestral spirits.
  • West African Cuisine: Attendees can sample an array of authentic Nigerian dishes, from suya and plantain to the renowned jollof rice.
  • Market Square: The vendor area will showcase traditional crafts, clothing, and artwork from artisans and vendors, providing guests with a taste of Nigerian fashion and artistry.
  • Children’s Village: A family-friendly area with activities for children, including face painting, games, and Igbo language lessons, ensuring everyone can engage with the culture.

The festival is free and open to the public, inviting Houstonians of all backgrounds to join in this cultural experience. Organized by Ndi Ichie Cultural Club, Igbofest Houston serves as a bridge between communities, offering a platform for cultural education, awareness, and mutual respect.

“We are thrilled to welcome everyone back for the 21st annual celebration of Igbofest Houston,” said Dr. Chris Ulasi, Cultural Director of Ndi Ichie Cultural Club. “This year’s event reflects our commitment to preserving Igbo heritage and fostering connections within the diverse landscape of Houston.”

Igbofest Houston is an annual festival dedicated to promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people of Nigeria. For over 20 years, it has celebrated the diverse expressions of Igbo traditions, contributing to Houston’s vibrant multicultural community. For more information, visit www.igbofesthouston.org or follow us on social media @igbofesthouston

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