Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee Becomes Third Black Lawmaker Arrested for Protecting Voting Rights



On Thursday, Texas Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee became the third Black House Democrat to be arrested in three weeks for participating in a voting rights demonstration outside of the Hart Senate Building.

"I believe when you are getting into good trouble, when you realize the 15th Amendment has guaranteed the fundamental right to vote, any action that is a peaceful action of civil disobedience is worthy and more to push all of us to do better and to do more," she said in a video on Twitter.

I engaged in civil disobedience today in the spirit of John Lewis in front of the Senate Hart Building and was arrested. #GoodTrouble pic.twitter.com/1CTpfiIQeu

— Sheila Jackson Lee (@JacksonLeeTX18) July 29, 2021

In another photo shared on Twitter, Jackson Lee's hands can be shown zip tied together.

"Once again we see a Black woman at the forefront of defending our civil rights and leading the fight to save our fragile democracy," said Odus Evbagharu, chair of the Harris County Democratic Party, whose district she represents in Congress, in a press release, USA Today reports.

"Congresswoman Lee understands we are at a pivotal moment in the history of our nation, where our sacred right to vote is under grave threat. She recognizes that we all must take action to protect this right."

USA Today notes that "Reps. Joyce Beatty (D-Oh.) and Hank Johnson (D-Ga.) were also arrested in previous weeks for participating in similar voting rights demonstrations."

All three House Democrats have been fighting for voting rights for Blacks, while their Republican counterparts have been working steadfastly to keep Black folks from coming to the polls.