LULAC Mourns The Passing Of A Friend And Great Civil Rights Leader Sheila Jackson Lee

Nation's Oldest and Largest Latino Civil Rights Organization Honors the Legacy of a Woman Who Fought for Social Justice Her Entire Lifetime

Washington, DC - The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is deeply saddened by the passing of United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas's 18th Congressional District. Serving nearly three decades in Congress, Jackson Lee was a relentless advocate for social justice and civil rights. Her dedication and service have left an indelible mark on our nation and the hearts of all who knew her.

"LULAC is proud to have stood with Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee for decades in the fight for civil rights," says Roman Palomares, LULAC National President. "We shared the same vision for our great nation as a land of justice and opportunity for all, regardless of race, color, or gender. Our voices were one in calling for equity and equality as promised by our Constitution. LULAC is committed to continuing to build upon her legacy and, with our allies in all communities, to be stronger together to stop those who wish to undo our nation's progress with the regressive agenda of Project 2025. We must come together as a force of progress to ensure that her vision and ours for America are realized," says Palomares.

"We have lost a great friend of LULAC, and our nation has lost a powerful civil rights leader," says Ray Mancera, LULAC National Vice President for the Southwest. "I was honored to have known her, worked alongside her, and considered her a wonderful friend and dedicated social and civil rights leader willing to work with the Latino community side by side. Her voice was powerful, her vision was clear, and her commitment was enduring. We shall miss her dearly. May we take a moment to celebrate her life, and may she rest in peace and power."

"Sheila Jackson Lee was my friend, colleague, and a tremendous inspiration to me as a Latina and an attorney," says Gloria Leal, LULAC General Counsel. "Sheila and I were both the first minorities appointed to the powerful Board of Directors of the Texas State Bar. She was fearless in her advocacy for advancing women and minorities in the profession and a staunch champion for her constituents' economic and civil rights. As a Congresswoman, she always welcomed me personally to the nation's Capitol and listened to my clients' concerns. She will be missed," says Leal.

"Texas LULAC joins with our nation in saying thank you to Sheila Jackson Lee for her great leadership as a fighter for our communities," says Gabriel Rosales, Texas LULAC State Director. "She was a supportive friend to Latinos and will be forever missed as a champion of the Latino struggle for justice and a friend to LULAC," Rosales adds.

Representative Sheila Jackson Lee's legacy is steadfastly dedicated to justice, equality, and service. LULAC honors her memory and contributions, pledging to continue the work she championed for so long.

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About League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest Hispanic civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 535 Councils and 145,000 members across the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services, and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting the critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit https://lulac.org/