Vice President Harris made a slip of the tongue during a memorial service for the late Democrat Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee when she seemingly mixed up her own title while delivering Jackson Lee’s eulogy. Harris was honoring Jackson Lee for her work in making Juneteenth a federal holiday when she accidentally referred to herself as the president instead of vice president. She quickly corrected herself and continued speaking about the impact Jackson Lee had on her life and career.
Jackson Lee died 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 as a tenacious advocate for justice and a tireless fighter for the people of Houston and America. She remembered her as a dear friend and fellow member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Harris spoke about the opportunity she had to work closely with Jackson Lee and praised her leadership, calling her one of the nation’s fiercest, smartest, and most strategic leaders.
Harris shared that she had spoken with Jackson Lee just days before her death and expressed her deep gratitude for the impact she had on her career. She spoke about Jackson Lee’s tough love and how she always encouraged and pushed her to do better. Harris shared stories about how Jackson Lee would require serious and specific conversations and tell her exactly what needed to be done. Despite those challenging moments, Harris continued to praise Jackson Lee’s unwavering belief in the power of individuals to effect change in the country.
During the memorial service, Harris continued to honor Jackson Lee’s memory as a change maker who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people in her city, state, and nation. She called on those in attendance to continue fighting to realize the promise of America, which includes freedom, opportunity, and justice for all. Jackson Lee’s impact on Harris and other colleagues was evident in the stories and memories shared during the service. She was remembered as a strong, determined leader who always pushed others to do better and make a positive impact in the world.
Overall, Vice President Harris’s slip of the tongue during the memorial service for Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee provided an opportunity to reflect on the congresswoman’s life and legacy. Despite the mistake, Harris’s heartfelt words and stories about her interactions with Jackson Lee painted a picture of a dedicated and tenacious leader who inspired those around her to do better and make meaningful change. Jackson Lee’s impact on Harris and others was evident in the praise and admiration shared during the service, highlighting the lasting legacy she leaves behind as a change maker and advocate for justice.
