US Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party known for her advocacy on African-American and women's rights, passed away on Friday after a battle with pancreatic cancer, as announced by her family late that evening.
Jackson Lee, who represented parts of Houston, Texas, had recently disclosed her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and was undergoing treatment. She was 74 years old, according to reports from US media outlets.
Described by her family as a "fierce champion of the people," Jackson Lee earned the affectionate title of "Congresswoman" from her constituents, acknowledging her extensive presence and dedication to serving them over more than three decades in office.
Among her notable legislative efforts, Jackson Lee introduced bills in the House of Representatives aimed at making "Juneteenth" a federally recognized holiday. Juneteenth commemorates the day in 1865 when Union troops informed enslaved people in Texas of their freedom, which had actually been declared by President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation two years earlier during the Civil War.
Sheila Jackson Lee's legacy includes her passionate advocacy for civil rights, her tireless work in Congress, and her enduring impact on the lives of those she represented and supported throughout her career. Her passing marks a significant loss within both her community and the broader political landscape she helped shape.
