In 1970, long before the country would learn the story of George Floyd, Mickey Leland was arrested protesting the police killing of black activist Carl Hampton.

 

During his decade as a member of Congress, Mickey was Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus, fought for universal health care, and created and chaired the House Select Committee on World Hunger. As chairman of this committee he secured $800 million in relief for famine-stricken countries in Africa. Mickey knew that this relief meant the difference between people living and dying, and his commitment to relieve the suffering of others inspires me to get additional aid to families struggling today.

   

Mickey's vision for a fair and just world that sustains a thriving, interconnected humanity transcendent of borders has become even more urgent and relevant in the current moment we are living in.

 

Unveiling of the Mickey Leland statue on April 25, 2020. (L to R) Bishop James Dixon, Kenny Friedman, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Reverend William Lawson, Alison Leland, Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Mayor Sylvester Turner

He fought against hunger, poverty and racism, not just in his community in Houston, but everywhere. He saw injustice with great clarity and recognized that the dehumanizing forces of oppression at work in Africa were the same ones at work down the street from where he grew up in Fifth Ward.

Mickey saw the world for what it was but also for what it could be. He saw possibilities that stretched the limitations of most people's imagination and shared that vision with all of us. He knew, that in a nation of abundance like ours, food, housing, and health care should be basic human.

In this moment, we would all do well to remember his example.

We must work to ensure that our fellow community members have adequate food, housing, and care, not just during this pandemic, but also moving forward, as guaranteed rights for all.

In order for this change, we must be bold in our fight for others, just like Mickey Leland.

 

Congressman Mickey Leland Statue Unveiling

 

"I am as much a citizen of this world as I am of my country. To hell with those people who are critical of what I am able to do to help save peoples' lives. I don't mean to sound hokey but I grew up on a Christian ethic, which says we are supposed to help our brothers." - Mickey Leland