Sheila Jackson Lee

The news of the passing of Sheila Jackson Lee, a true “Advocate for Social Justice” and human rights, known as the “Voice of Reason” in the U.S. Congress, has reached our hearts. Jackson Lee, a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., served for more than 30 years representing the 18th Congressional District of Texas located in Houston. Upon her election to Congress, she was immediately placed on the high-profile House Judiciary Committee in 1995. A fierce advocate for women and people of color, she led House Democrats on numerous social justice issues, including police reforms, reparations for enslaved people, and protections for women. Her significant accomplishments include authoring the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, which established the first federal holiday in 38 years, and the Violence Against Women Act, which provided critical protections for women. Jackson Lee also played a crucial role in the 2007 passage of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, which expanded access to higher education for low-income students, and in the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act, defending the rights of voters across the nation. Her legacy of unwavering dedication to justice and equality will continue to inspire and guide us ASALH.