The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and its Houston, Texas, chapter (CAIR-Houston) today offered condolences on the passing of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who died Friday at the age of 74.
“We belong to God and unto God we will return. We will greatly miss Congresswoman Jackson Lee, who served not only as a pillar for justice in our community but as a friend, mentor and ally to so many. We offer our heartfelt condolences to her husband, children, grandchildren, friends, staff and mentees.” said CAIR-Houston Director William White.
In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:
“To God we belong and to Him we return. Representative Jackson Lee was a civil rights icon and a great friend of the American Muslim community. She stood in defense of civil rights and defended the Muslim community when it was attacks by bigots and by discriminatory government policies. We have lost a principled and dedicated ally. She will be missed.”
CAIR-Texas is the state’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-Houston Director William White, 713-254-2016, [email protected]; CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]