In a heartfelt move symbolizing the power of public service and legacy, the Houston City Council voted unanimously on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, to rename Terminal E at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in honor of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Representing the airport’s area for nearly three decades and previously serving as an at-large City Council Member and Municipal Judge, Jackson Lee’s name will now be forever etched into Houston’s history —and the nation’s aviation infrastructure.

A Fitting Tribute to a Trailblazer

Erica Lee Carter, the Congresswoman’s daughter and recently elected to complete her mother’s Congressional term, expressed deep gratitude from Washington, D.C., where she was immersed in federal budget negotiations. “Naming Terminal E after my mom is not just a tribute to her federal-level work but also to the love and service she poured into this city and its people,” Lee Carter reflected. “Her legacy is one of progress, unity, and tireless service. May we all strive to uphold those values.”

The initiative to honor Jackson Lee was championed by Houston City Council Member Edward Pollard, who underscored her immense contributions to Houston. “This is a woman who gave her all to our city,” Pollard stated. “She brought over $125 million in federal funds to support Houston’s largest airport facility. Naming Terminal E in her honor is both meaningful and significant—a lasting testament to her dedication.”

Houston's Tradition of Honoring Visionaries

Houston has a storied tradition of naming aviation facilities after luminaries who shaped the city and its future. The entire George Bush Intercontinental Airport honors the 41st U.S. President George H.W. Bush. Terminal C recognizes Mayor Lewis Cutrer, whose leadership was instrumental in constructing the airport. Terminal D bears the name of Congressman Mickey Leland, a champion of global humanitarian efforts tragically lost during a famine relief mission in Ethiopia.

William P. Hobby Airport and Ellington Airport similarly reflect the region’s respect for its trailblazers, named for Governor William Hobby and Army Lt. Eric Lamar Ellington, respectively.

Legacy in Motion

While the renaming of Terminal E won’t be immediate—requiring administrative reviews, public comments, and final approval—Houston City Attorney Arturo Michel emphasized the Mayor’s crucial role in ensuring the process reflects the city’s collective will.

For Houston Style Magazine, this tribute strikes a deeply personal chord. Sheila Jackson Lee was a towering figure whose unwavering commitment to equity and opportunity inspired generations. Burt Levine, columnist for this publication, aptly sums it up: “This action by the Houston City Council ensures that her trailblazing efforts will continue to inspire travelers and Houstonians alike. Sheila Jackson Lee wasn’t just a public servant; she was a force for progress.”

A Name that Resonates

Terminal E will not just be a gateway to destinations worldwide but a symbol of perseverance, public service, and the indomitable spirit of a woman who gave everything for her city. As travelers pass through, they’ll encounter more than an airport terminal—they’ll witness a legacy of leadership etched into the very fabric of Houston.

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