VP Harris Delivers Eulogy Honoring the Life of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
Vice President Kamala Harris Delivers Emotional Eulogy for Longtime Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
In a moving tribute, Vice President Kamala Harris eulogized the life and legacy of U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who passed away at the age of 74 earlier this month.
Speaking at the memorial service, Harris described Jackson Lee as a "force of nature" and a skilled coalition builder who was well-versed in the legislative process. The Vice President joked about trying to avoid the intense lawmaker, who always expected the best from those around her.
"She always expected in all of us that we would rise to a point of excellence, knowing that life was too short and there's too much to be done," Harris said, commending Jackson Lee's tireless efforts on behalf of her constituents.
Harris, who is poised to potentially become the first Black woman presidential nominee, recalled fondly her friendship with the pioneering Congresswoman, one of the most prominent Black women in Congress during her nearly three decades in Washington. Jackson Lee was instrumental in federal efforts to protect women from domestic violence and to recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday.
In a show of respect, over 50 members of the U.S. House attended the funeral service, with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries hailing Jackson Lee as a "voice for the voiceless." Former President Bill Clinton also paid tribute, describing Jackson Lee as someone who "really believed that we are all created equal."
The memorial service was filled with emotion, as the crowd of several hundred frequently cheered and stood to honor the life and legacy of the trailblazing Congresswoman.
Remembering Sheila Jackson Lee: Constituents and Allies Pay Tribute
Arva Howard, a 72-year-old constituent, reflected on Sheila Jackson Lee's deep commitment to the people she served, saying, "We always knew if we needed something solved, Sheila was the person to go to."
Calandrian Simpson Kemp, a 53-year-old community advocate, posed next to a large photo of the Congresswoman in the church's foyer, holding a picture of her 20-year-old son who had been a victim of gun violence. Simpson Kemp spoke of Jackson Lee's mentorship in her own efforts to enact common-sense gun legislation after her son's tragic death.
"When I think of Sheila and her legacy, I think about empowerment. I think about the power of one," Simpson Kemp said. "She never let up for people. She left it all on the battlefield, and I think it's up to us now to pick up the torch."
Jackson Lee had represented her Houston-area district since 1995, after previously serving on the city council from 1990 to 1994. She was known as a fierce advocate for women, minorities, and social justice issues, leading the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act and championing causes like policing reform and reparations.
Despite her impressive record, Jackson Lee had unsuccessfully run for Houston mayor just last year, underscoring the profound impact she had on her community and the void her passing has left. As her constituents and allies gathered to honor her legacy, it was clear that Sheila Jackson Lee's commitment to empowering the people would continue to inspire those she left behind.