HOUSTON – Last weekend, the members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. (AKA) in Houston experienced a unique few days marked by significant emotional highs and lows as they mourned the loss of a prominent member, while also celebrating a historic endorsement.
On Saturday, July 20, the office of U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee announced her passing after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Jackson Lee was both a long-time member and supporter of her sorority.
The congresswoman, known affectionately as “SJL” among her peers, was a hardworking leader in the Houston community and a dedicated public servant. Her passing left a profound impact on the members of the sorority and the broader Houston community.
Congresswoman Jackson Lee served the 18th Congressional District of Texas since 1995, earning a reputation as a fierce advocate for civil rights, healthcare, and education. Her commitment to these causes resonated deeply within AKA, an organization known for its emphasis on service and education.
In the midst of their mourning, the sorority also celebrated a historic endorsement.
On Sunday, the President of the United States, Joe R. Biden, formally endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, who is also an esteemed member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. This endorsement came moments after Biden decided that he would not seek re-election in this year’s race.
Harris, the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first South Asian woman to hold the office of Vice President, has been a trailblazer in American politics. Her candidacy for the presidency represents a significant moment for members of AKA, who see her as a continuation of their long history of breaking barriers and advocating for social justice.
The dual events of the weekend underscored the deep connections and shared values within Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. While the loss of Congresswoman Jackson Lee was deeply felt, the endorsement of Vice President Harris provides what her sisters say is a hopeful vision for the future.
As the members of the Houston chapter of AKA move forward, they remain committed to honoring Jackson Lee’s legacy through continued service and advocacy, while also supporting the right to vote in this historic election.