…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.

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

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