16 Facts About Mickey Leland

George Thomas "Mickey" Leland III was an American politician and anti-poverty activist.

Mickey Leland served as a congressman from the Texas 18th District and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Mickey Leland graduated from Texas Southern in 1970 with a bachelor's degree in Pharmacy.

Re-elected in 1974 and again in 1976, Mickey Leland served three two-year terms in the Texas House of Representatives, representing the 88th District and while in Austin, he became famous for being a staunch advocate of healthcare rights for poor Texans.

Mickey Leland was responsible for the passage of legislation that provided low-income consumers with access to affordable generic drugs, and supported the creation of healthcare access through Health Maintenance Organizations.

Mickey Leland was re-elected to each succeeding Congress until his death.

Mickey Leland was an effective advocate on hunger and public health issues.

In 1984, Mickey Leland established the congressional select committee on Hunger and initiated a number of programs designed to assuage the famine crises that plagued Ethiopia and Sudan through much of the 1980s.

Mickey Leland pioneered many afro-centric cultural norms in Washington which included wearing a dashiki and African-style hats.

The work for which he is best remembered began when Mickey Leland co-authored legislation with US Rep.

When Mickey Leland returned, he brought together entertainment personalities, religious leaders and private voluntary agencies to create general public support for the Africa Famine Relief and Recovery Act of 1985.

The international attention Mickey Leland had focused on the famine brought additional support for non-governmental efforts, saving thousands of lives.

Mickey Leland's ability in reaching out to others with innovative ideas and to gain support from unlikely sources was a key to his success in effectively addressing the problems for the poor and minorities.

Mickey Leland met with both Pope John Paul II about food aid to Africa and Cuban President Fidel Castro about reuniting Cuban families.

Mickey Leland was a powerful advocate on other major issues as well.

Mickey Leland chaired the Subcommittee on Postal Operations and Services and served on the Committee on Post Office and Civil Service and the Subcommittee on Compensation and Employment.