The renaming of George Bush Intercontinental Airport Terminal E in honor of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee was unanimously approved by the Houston City Council.
Council members and public speakers talked on Lee’s political legacy and her support of her constituents in the Texas 18th Congressional District. Lee died on July 7th, aged 74.
She obtained more than $125 million for the expansion of Terminal E, which is situated in the district she served for more than 30 years.
Honoring public servants who served the city is a longstanding tradition in Houston. Terminal D is named for former U.S. Representative Mickey Leland, who also happened to represent the 18th Congressional District, while Terminal C is named for Lewis Wesley Cutrer, the former mayor of Houston.
A resolution was made under Proposition A to rename the terminal after Lee, spearheaded by Edward Pollard, Mayor Pro Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, and Council Members Tiffany D. Thomas, Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Abby Kamin, Sallie Alcorn, Tarsha Jackson, and Letitia Plummer.
At the state, federal, and international levels, the congresswoman has made innumerable contributions on favor of the city. “She has left a tremendous legacy that deserves this dedication through her sacrifices and dedication to the 18th Congressional District and the greater Houston area,” the letter stated.
What the council said
Before the council can make a final decision, there are a number of official formalities involved in renaming a terminal, which is a city property, according to City Attorney Arturo Michel.
According to the executive order for naming city facilities, under 6.11.4, such proposals are submitted to the mayor’s office, where they are then forwarded to the appropriate department for additional consideration. The department then notifies a neighborhood organization and gives the public 30 days to provide feedback. Pollard stated that since the council has already put the matter on the agenda under proposition A for discussion, it will take precedence over all other recommendations after these steps are completed and a review of the proposed name change is conducted, if necessary.
During the discussion, Council member Pollard expressed his excitement for the item’s passage and stated that the choice would be a suitable approach to pay tribute to someone of Lee’s caliber.
According to him, it satisfies all requirements and procedures required for a final vote on this specific resolution. We should be able to vote on this today, and it should be a final vote as well, especially since we had public comment yesterday. I don’t see any other process that is necessary or required when this executive order ultimately puts it in the hands of the entire City Council after a proposal was made.
Tiffany Thomas, a council member, read out a statement from Erica Lee, who was not at the meeting.
Erica Lee Carter, her daughter, is serving out Lee’s unexpired term, which ends on January 3, 2025.
According to Thomas, this honor is proof of the enormous impact my mother had on Houston and the country as a whole. Many of you are aware that my mother was a devoted public servant, an outspoken supporter of the 18th Congressional District, and a frequent traveler through Bush Airport, frequently traveling from Houston to Washington to carry out her constituents’ requests. Bush Airport became a global hub as a result of her advocacy work through the federal government, which promoted stronger international ties and economic growth. I have the privilege of representing the district that my mother adores so much while I carry on with the work that she started with such zeal. In addition to honoring her federal work, naming Terminal E after her also recognizes the service she provided to our community and its residents.
The community extends its support
Five-year employee Garrett Auzenne, who studied under Lee’s tutelage while working in her office, reflected on his encounters with her bravery and decency.
Whether Auzenne was battling corruption, supporting worker wage increases, or fighting for Iranians’ human rights, Lee’s legacy left an enduring impression on her life.
He went on to say that this international terminal will serve as a beacon for the world, welcoming a large number of visitors. And as a Houstonian, I would feel especially proud of the United States of America, Texas, and the state in general.
According to Dula Abdu, a member of the Ethiopian diaspora, he has a long history with Lee, particularly in relation to the actions she made to improve the community.
According to Abdu, Shila stood out for democracy and human rights whenever our community required it. Congresswoman Lee was a ray of hope and an advocate for all oppressed people, whether it was the goal of bridging the gap between poverty and human rights in the United States and abroad.
The CEO and Chairman of the Apex Group of Companies, Lutfi Hassan, stated that Lee ardently supported and cherished the 18th Congressional District and spoke for all Houstonians, irrespective of their party affiliation, race, or heritage. According to Hassan, this was further demonstrated by the backing that political figures of all stripes gave to Erica Lee.
In addition to commemorating a legacy, we’re gathered here today to recognize the Congresswoman’s real influence on our city, Hassan stated. Her efforts strengthened our economy and international reputation by ensuring that George Bush Intercontinental Airport continues to be a top gateway to Houston. This resolution gives us a chance to remember her accomplishments, sacrifices, and the innumerable people she impacted. Her legacy is ingrained in this city.
In keeping with the custom of naming terminals after political figures, Hassan emphasized that naming Terminal E after Lee is a fitting need.
Several speakers discussed Lee’s support of Houston’s diversity and her work promoting the city abroad.
According to doctor Dr. Asaf Qadeer, honoring her in this way demonstrates the legacy she continues to inspire for Houstonians as well as anybody who visits our city.
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