By Indira Zaldivar & Edward Saenz
Harris County Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution to name one of the new county buildings downtown in honor of late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee during Tuesday’s commissioners court.
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis broke the news to Lee’s husband, Dr. Elwyn Lee, who was listening to the court via Zoom.
“Thank you for acknowledging her dedication, fearlessness, persistence and love for the people,” Lee said.
The 17-story, 429,000-square-foot building located in Houston’s central business district at 1111 Fannin St. connects to the city’s underground tunnel network. Neighboring buildings include Discovery Green Park, the Four Seasons Hotel and the Green Street development.
“We don’t name things after people because we knew them or because they were in our family or neighborhood,” Ellis said. “It’s because we want others to aspire to do the great things they did.”
Jackson Lee represented Houston, specifically Texas’ 18th Congressional District from 1995 until her death as a result of pancreatic cancer at age 74. Notably, she was the author of significant legislation such as the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act and the Violence Against Women Act; and she has been recognized as one of the most effective and influential members of Congress.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, that same day, also voted to pass a resolution to honor the congresswoman’s life and legacy. Her takeaway from SJL’s leadership is her “work for the greater good,” regardless of their voting power.
“What I really love about the congresswoman is how much she cared about everybody whether or not they were going to vote for her,” Hidalgo said.
“We need to work together on behalf of all communities…especially in a county as diverse as ours.”
The resolution also mentions signage to showcase SJL’s life and legacy to those visiting the building. The 1111 Fannin St. building in the Houston-area will become the first building named in SJL’s honor.
