I first met Mickey Leland while researching and developing the American Black Directory back in 1976 in Houston, Texas. Even back then Mickey had established himself in and around Houston. Mickey had finished Texas Southern University in 1970 and had taught clinical pharmacy at ISU. He ran and was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1973. In 1978 he was elected to congress, thereby succeeding Barbara Jordan who was retiring. He served as a congressman on a number of powerful congressional committees and sub-committees. He served as chairman of the Select Committee on world hunger which took him to Africa to stamp out the hunger and famine which existed there. He was also a strong supporter and advocate of black businesses.
In fact, when I met him he personally extended his support for The American Black Directory effort. I know from personal experience that he was a fine brother. When you visit Houston, Texas, do visit TSU; his alma mater; which features a remarkable commemorative exhibit in his honor.
On the last of his six trips to Africa, Mickey and fifteen other people were killed when their plane went down over Ethiopia on Aug. 7, 1989. It’s been said that not only did Black America lose a giant of a brother and leader, but the hungry in Africa lost the best friend they had in Washington, DC.
Rest in peace.