Ambassador Marks Pays Tribute To Us Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

HOUSTON, Aug. 3 (JIS): 

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey Marks has described the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, as a remarkable leader whose roots were deeply intertwined with Jamaican heritage. 

Ambassador Marks was invited by the late congresswoman’s family to deliver remarks at a funeral ceremony held at the Fallbrook Church in Houston, Texas on August 1. 

During the ceremony, the Ambassador highlighted the significance of the date, August 1, which coincides with the 190th anniversary of the Emancipation of slavery in Jamaica and the British Caribbean.  

“This is a most fitting day to honour the profound connection she had with a country that holds a special place in the hearts of over 3.2 million Jamaican Americans,” Ambassador Marks noted. 

Addressing the family, including Mrs. Jackson-Lee’s children Jason and Erica, Ambassador Marks emphasized the congresswoman’s pride in her Jamaican kinship and her active support for Jamaica.  

The granddaughter of Jamaican immigrants, the late congresswoman was an icon to the Jamaican diaspora living in the United States.  

Ambassador Marks pointed out that Mrs. Jackson-Lee’s life exemplified cherished Jamaican characteristics, setting an example for future generations of Jamaican Americans. 

The Ambassador highlighted the late congresswoman’s role in the tradition of Caribbean diaspora members who have embraced the American dream, while contributing to societal progress. 

“Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee’s life and work represented an extension of that great tradition,” Ambassador Marks stated, noting that over 400 Jamaican Americans are currently involved in representational politics across federal, state, and local governments in the United States. 

Ambassador Marks also praised the late congresswoman’s advocacy for both her Houston district and broader U.S. interests, while steadfastly supporting Jamaica and the Caribbean. 

She credited the late congresswoman for championing the assistance given to Jamaica during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as legislation that led to the formal recognition of June as Caribbean American Heritage Month in the United States. 

Describing Mrs. Jackson-Lee’s work as “strong and courageous”, Ambassador Marks commended her unwavering commitment to justice, her passion for making a difference, and her dedication to faith and family life.  

“She was the embodiment of what it means to be in service of others, to stand up for Justice, Brotherhood and Peace, and to think generously and honestly,” Ambassador Marks stated.  

She added that Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee’s legacy will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come, embodying the values cherished in both her adopted home and her ancestral land. 

Also present at the funeral were US Vice President Kamala Harris, former president Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary Clinton and members of the US Congress and Senate.