By: David Ellison (Media Information Offi cer for Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Pct 1) Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis has received the NAACP’s George “Mickey” Leland Humanitarian Award, which is given annually by the civil rights organization to a person who displays outstanding service to the Houston minority community by assisting with a significant minority cause. “Thank you for this extraordinary honor and for everything that the NAACP Houston Branch does in the fight for justice, equality and opportunity,” Commissioner Ellis said after receiving the award on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the organization’s Freedom Fund Advocacy & Awards Gala. “Mickey was and is still a beacon of hope who tirelessly fought to defend the rights, lives and dignity of the poor and oppressed down the street and across the globe.” The local NAACP established the award – which also recognizes Commissioner Ellis for supporting and promoting efforts for the social, political, and economic betterment of the minority community – after Congressman Leland’s death in 1989 in a plane crash during a mission in Ethiopia. Leland is known for his outstanding contributions to the struggle of human rights as well as his efforts to house the homeless and feed the hungry Commissioner Ellis, who was mentored by Congressman Leland and worked as the congressman’s chief of staff, has initiated Harris County programs that create jobs, provide affordable housing, reduce poverty and provide guaranteed income for lowincome families. “Th roughout my public service, Mickey’s spirit has been a guiding force,” Commissioner Ellis said. “In Harris County, we are translating that spirit into action, delivering hope through transformative, equitable investments to serve and empower our communities. And, as Mickey would tell you, nothing is more fundamental than ensuring people have a roof over their head and food on their plate. He understood how relentless poverty and the gnawing ache of hunger consumed a person’s mind, body and soul.”
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