Vice President Kamala Harris made a slip of the tongue during a memorial service for the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, where she seemingly mixed up her own title while delivering Jackson Lee’s eulogy. While honoring Jackson Lee for her efforts to make Juneteenth a federal holiday, Harris mistakenly referred to herself as “president” before quickly correcting herself. Jackson Lee passed away on July 19 at the age of 74 after battling pancreatic cancer. She had previously fought and overcome breast cancer in 2011.
Harris praised Jackson Lee for being a tenacious advocate for justice and a dedicated fighter for the people of Houston and America. The two had a close friendship, with Harris being a fellow member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Harris recalled speaking with Jackson Lee just days before her passing, expressing her gratitude for the impact the congresswoman had on her career. Jackson Lee’s tough love and dedication to making progress happen were highlighted by Harris during the service.
As a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Harris had the opportunity to work closely with Jackson Lee on various issues and witness her strategic leadership firsthand. She described Jackson Lee as relentless, fierce, smart, and one of the nation’s most strategic leaders in pushing for progress. Harris emphasized Jackson Lee’s belief in the power that individuals have to bring about positive change, noting her unwavering dedication to lifting up the people of her city, state, and nation.
Harris and Jackson Lee had a long-standing friendship, with Harris recalling moments where she would almost want to hide from Jackson Lee, knowing that she would require serious and specific conversations about what needed to be done. Despite this, Harris acknowledged Jackson Lee’s loving and encouraging demeanor and her ability to push others to do their best. Harris encouraged others to continue fighting to realize the promise of America, a promise of freedom, opportunity, and justice for all, in honor of Jackson Lee’s memory.
Jackson Lee’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes and remembrances from colleagues, friends, and admirers. She is survived by her husband, Elwyn Lee, and two children, Jason and Erica. Harris highlighted Jackson Lee’s role in making Juneteenth a federal holiday and recognized her as a true change maker who dedicated her heart to uplifting the people of her city, state, and nation. Harris’s slip of the tongue during the eulogy served as a moment of lightheartedness in an otherwise solemn occasion, illustrating the close bond between the two women and their shared commitment to fighting for justice and progress.
