03.06.2025_Defender-e-FULL (1)

Sylvester Turner THE LOSS OF A LEGEND

1954-2025

Volume 94, issue 20 March 6, 2025

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DN InFocus

Sylvester Turner always answered the call when the Defender reached out. Credit: David Wall

Sylvester Turner sat down for an interview with the Defender in his final days in office.

Credit: David Wall

Sylvester Turner More than a politician, a friend to the Defender family

For the Defender family, Sylvester Turner was more than just our former mayor or a beloved congressman. He was our friend. A man who never forgot his roots, who carried Houston on his shoulders with an unwavering commitment to justice, equity and progress. His presence wasn’t just felt in the halls of government, but in the very heart of our community—at church services, neighborhood events and in the pages of the Defender. We remember the man who left his mark on all of our hearts.

“Sylvester Turner was a friend and a colleague when it came to serving the Houston community. He was a servant leader committed to taking care of the people of Houston and the great state of Texas, especially the least, the last, the lost and the forgotten. He proved it by serving as a state rep., mayor and congressman. During my last conversation with him, he shared photos of his grandson and talked about how blessed he was to enjoy this time of life. When he recorded a commercial for the Defender, I knew then how deep our friendship was and how much he believed in the work we had done together. He was a force that cannot be duplicated.”

- Sonceria ‘Sonny’ Messiah Jiles, CEO

“I’ve had the honor of interviewing some of the biggest of the big-wigs in politics, entertainment, sports, etc. I’ve also endured the chore of interviewing folk who hadn’t achieved one/one millionth of what Turner did, but who put on all the airs. Turner would take time to talk to anyone, anywhere. And when he didn’t have time he made time.

That’s rare for most human beings. That’s nearly unheard of in a public figure. But that quality probably explains one of the things I most appreciate(d) about Turner—he was never too busy for the Black Press. In fact, he regularly prioritized sharing a word with the Defender and other Houston Black press members before speaking with other media outlets. May we honor him by showing that same level of respect to Black-owned entities moving forward.”

- Aswad Walker, Associate Editor

“Sylvester Turner was more than a leader—he was a champion for Houston, a fierce advocate for the Black communityand a man who led with heart, resilience and unwavering dedication. His legacy of service, justice and love for the people will forever be woven into the fabric of our city.”

- Clyde Jiles, COO

“I watched Sylvester Turner from afar consistently be everything the city of Houston needed. He was there for the celebration and successes that the city has had. He stood strong during times of crisis like Hurricane Harvey. He put Houston’s needs ahead of his own, leading the city as its mayor and the 18th Congressional District seat. Houston has lost two major pillars within a short time. We now look to the next up-and-coming leaders to step into their considerable shoes.”

-Terrance Harris, Digital Content Manager

“Congressman Sylvester Turner was the embodiment of accessibility and authenticity. He carried himself with an easygoing demeanor, always present and engaged with the community he served. He made it a point to understand and respect the role of the media—even when the news wasn’t in his favor. One of my fondest memories was watching him in action during his media-only Christmas parties.

He knew the demands of our work, the long hours, the tough stories, and yet, he always welcomed us with warmth and appreciation. That openness, that understanding of the bigger picture, is the energy that will truly be missed.”

- Laura Onyeneho, Lifestyle and Culture Reporter

“Sylvester was one of the few politicians who was always accessible, open, and honest. It was a joy to cover him over the years. But more than that, it was a joy to know him.

Beyond politics, Sylvester had a story to tell. A story of resilience, faith, and service. When he came to me for assistance in writing his book, I felt privileged and honored. To help shape the narrative of a man who had spent his life shaping Houston was a responsibility I did not take lightly.

Duty called and we didn’t get to fulfill all of our plans, but I know his legacy isn’t just in policies and speeches—it’s in the lives he touched, the people he uplifted, and the city he fought for every single day.”

– ReShonda Tate, Managing Editor

“As the newest reporter for the Defender, I had the privilege of interviewing former Mayor of Houston and Congressman Sylvester Turner after he was sworn in to represent Texas’ historic 18th Congressional District. I watched as people poured in from across the state as he stepped into his new role. During the interview, he told me about his vision for his constituents and his plans of ‘always keeping Texas first.’ After the interview, he urged me to reach out to his office whenever the Defender needed him. His last words were, ‘And I will always respond.’ That showed me what it is to be in the presence of a leader who is accessible and willing to share his ideas to better the lives of the people of his district.”

- Tannistha Sinha, Special Assignments Reporter

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DN InFocus

Houston leaders pay homage to late Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner

By Tannistha Sinha

The city of Houston and its political leaders are mourning the sudden death of Sylvester Turner, the former mayor and current 18th District Congressman. He was 70.

“My sincere condolences to Ashley and the Turner family. Houston mourns the loss of our servant leader, proud native son, dedicated father and dear friend. Thank you, Sylvester Turner for all you gave of yourself to serve Houston, Texas and this nation. ‘We the People’ are all better off because you chose to dedicate yourself to a life of public service. You also advanced the continuous struggle to make this nation as good as its promise of freedom and justice for all.”

Rodney Ellis Harris County Commissioner

“Sylvester Turner was more than a public servant—he was a force for change, a champion for those without a voice and a guiding light in the fight for justice and equity. From his years in the Texas House of Representatives to his transformative tenure as Mayor of Houston and his service in Congress, he dedicated his life to uplifting communities and making a lasting impact on the lives of those he served.

As a fellow legislator and fraternity brother in Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., I had the privilege of working alongside him and witnessing firsthand his passion, brilliance and deep love for public service. His leadership inspired countless individuals, including myself, to continue the work of building a more just and inclusive society. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, members of The Church Without Walls and all who had the honor of knowing and working with him. His impact will live on through the lives he touched and the progress he championed.

Rest in power, my brother.”

Ron Reynolds State Representative District 27

“No one will be able to step into Sylvester’s shoes and carry on his duties because there’s only one Sylvester Turner growing up in Acres Home in poverty. He was so proud of his family, his mother being a housekeeper at the Rice Hotel, his father a laborer, a two-bedroom house. We’ve been together in good times and bad times. He asked me to speak at his mother’s funeral.

I was there when Ashley was born. He was there when Whitney and Sarah were born.

It is a personal loss for me. It’s a loss for the city. And the reason no one knows how

close we are is the mean politics of our system. We never took our disagreements personally…he was a public servant right up till he took his last breath.”

Houston Mayor John Whitmire

“Many of us are heartbroken by the news of Mayor Sylvester Turner, now Congressman Sylvester Turner. He was an incredible public servant. We will remember working alongside him. We had a lot of happy memories. His legacy will be that he was a public servant to his heart. He was a good man. He leaned in on his faith on those really bad days and even our good days, and, we will definitely miss him. Houston will not be the same knowing that Mayor Turner now, Congressman Turner is no longer with us, but his legacy will live on forever. What I love about Mayor Turner now Congressman Turner, is that he was the type of leader that didn’t look for followers. He wanted more leaders, and he definitely was a mentor, a sponsor, a good friend, and it’s a tremendous loss for us

all. I’m so glad that the 18th Congressional district will hold his name too. It’s a district that has some giants on the roster and Sylvester Turner will also be on that roster. Many of us sat at this desk and Mayor Turner would go to chemo and then he would come here and he would govern the city…Because he took his public service so seriously. We watched him toil. He leaned in on his faith, which I love to see…May he rest the peace.”

Martha Castex-Tatum District K Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem

“His leadership and dedication to public service left a lasting impression on Houston. His passion for uplifting others and ensuring a brighter future for Houston made him a remarkable leader. The loss of such a devoted leader is heartbreaking.

His legacy of perseverance and advocacy will not be forgotten.”

Letitia Plummer At-Large Position 4 Council Member

“He is someone that not only was a family man, he was a person that served his community and lived in this community, which I think is very important. He served the city and he served the state and the national government. I think he was the very best person for the job. I’m glad he got the opportunity to become the congressman.He helped my family tremendously. My brother was terminally ill, and so I asked him for his help to get him into a medical facility that could help him have quality of life, and he did that.

We had so many laughs…There was some things that we did not agree on. In particular, was those bike lanes in my community…., but for the most part, we agreed. I just can’t equate to you how tremendous this loss is.

Not just for me, but for this entire country.”

Carolyn Evans-Shabazz District D Council Member MORE LEADERS WEIGH IN

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN InFocus Great accomplishments of Turner

By Aswad Walker

weathered.

“No matter what his critics say about his terms as mayor and what was left behind, this should be remembered: He was the mayor that got us through Hurricane Harvey, the COVID pandemic and social unrest following George Floyd’s murder,” said Muhammad. “I will always remember him for the good that he did while he was among us.”

Sylvester Turner dedicated his life to public service, leaving a legacy of historic accomplishments.

When informed about the passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner, Texas Southern University professor Carroll Robinson said, “What a sad day… God has called home another giant in Texas politics. A man committed to Carroll serving the comRobinson mon men and women of our city and his beloved Acres Homes.”

While countless others continue offering condolences to Turner’s family and friends, several are sharing their thoughts on the 18th District US Representative, former Houston mayor and state representative’s (District 139) greatest professional accomplishments.

Here’s what some Houstonians are saying.

CITY PENSION TSU professor Dr. Michael O. Adams s ays Turner will be remembered “for his almost 30-year legislative Dr. Michael Adams service in Texas House District 139… representing his beloved Acres Homes’ and for his two terms as Houston’s mayor.

Houstonians honor the late Sylvester Turner, seen here standing with activist Cynthia Pharms and State Rep. Ron Reynolds, reflecting on his significant contributions to the city as a longtime public servant. Credit: Cynthia Pharms.

In that latter capacity, when Turner was first elected mayor, the City of Houston wrestled with a $400 million pension issue pundits said had been a political nightmare kicked down the road by multiple previous mayoral administrations with no resolution.

Dr. Abdul Haleem ‘Robert’ Muhammad (l) and Congressman Sylvester Turner. Courtesy Dr. Abdul Haleem ‘Robert’ Muhammad.

LONGEVITY In boxing terms, Turner was a fighter with the stamina to “go the distance.”

“It is hard to put into words the loss of Congressman Sylvester Turner,” Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee said in a statement. “For nearly four decades, he devoted his life to public service, standing as a pillar of strength, wisdom and unwavering commitment to Houstonians, residents of the 18th Congressional District, and all Texans.”

State Rep. Harold Dutton (District 142) witnessed that longevity up close. “[Turner] is probably the only person with whom I was always on the same side of every issue,” said Dutton.

“I was always pleased to have him join me in advancing of supporting an issue. He made sure that where his voice was needed, he was always first in line. And it didn’t matter who was on the other side.”

“As mayor, he faced the chal chalas that. I will miss him lenges of hurricanes, floods, dearly as he and I had the COVID-19 pandemic a strong, collabora collaboraand pension reform,” said tive relationship.”

Adams.

Tu r n e r a l s o Turner resolved the matfaced a few storms ter, placing Houston on eco-of criticism. These Tiffany nomically sound footing. too, according to Thomas local activist/leader THROUGH THE Dr. Abdul Haleem “RobSTORMS ert” Muhammad, Turner If there was one word to summarize the myriad challenges Turner faced as Houston’s mayor, that word just might be “storms.”

And though he walked in doors VOLUME 94, NUMBER 20 - MARCH 6, 2025 of City Hall facing weather-related storms, health- and social justice-rePublisher | CEO Culture Reporter lated storms came his way, too.

Sonceria Messiah-Jiles Laura Onyeneho “[Turner] navigated this city Strategic Alllance Education Reporter through a global pandemic, social Clyde Jiles Tannistha Sinha and civil unrest, housing crises and Managing Editor Sports 10 federally declared disasters with ReShonda Tate Terrance Harris Jimmie Aggison grace, compassion and for what was Content Manager Terrance Harris Video Editor best for the people,” stated Dr. Tiffany Bryan Erdy Thomas, Houston City CouncilmemAssociate Editor Aswad Walker ber, District F. “He was the peoples’ mayor and will forever be known

READ WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT TURNER’S LEGACY AS A ‘MAN OF THE PEOPLE.”

The Defender newspaper is published by the Houston Defender Newspaper Inc. and audited by Alliance for Audited Media (AAM). Only digital subscriptions are available at: www.defendernetwork.com/subscribe No paper subscriptions available. All materials covered by 2025 copyright.

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DN InFocus

Sylvester Turner The Loss of a Legend C

By ReShonda Tate

ongressman Sylvester Turner, who was in Washington, D.C., for the Presidential State of the Union, was taken to a hospital shortly after the March 4 address, where he died.

His cause of death remains unknown. He was previously diagnosed with bone cancer in 2022 and had undergone surgery and radiation treatment.

The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through the Houston community and beyond, as Turner was more than just a politician—he was a trailblazer, a tireless advocate and a man who dedicated his life to public service.

A life of service Born and raised in Acres Homes, Turner— the sixth oldest of nine children—was a proud product of Houston’s public schools.

He graduated as valedictorian from Klein High School before attending the University of Houston and later earning his law degree from Harvard. His legal career began at Fulbright & Jaworski, where he worked as a trial lawyer before co-founding Barnes & Turner, a prominent law firm specializing in commercial and personal injury litigation.

His story was one of perseverance and commitment to the people. He spent nearly three decades in the Texas Legislature, representing District 139. A bipartisan leader, he spent 21 years on the House Appropriations Committee and six years as Speaker Pro Tem, playing a key role in shaping the state’s fiscal policy.

In December 2015, Turner was elected Mayor of Houston and re-elected in 2019 by

I would ask Houstonians to come together, pray for his family, and celebrate this remarkable public servant.”

JOHN WHITMIRE HOUSTON MAYOR

Houston has lost a giant. Former Mayor and current 18th District Congressman Sylvester Turner has passed away at the age of 70.

a wide margin.

During his tenure, Turner managed seven federally declared natural disasters, including Hurricane Harvey, and led the city through the COVID-19 pandemic. He reformed Houston’s pension system, cutting billions in financial liabilities, tackled homelessness and championed initiatives to improve public safety and environmental sustainability. His leadership amid national calls for policing reform also led to the creation of Houston’s Task Force on Policing Reforms and an executive order restricting the use of force.

Unfinished business, lasting impact Despite his many accomplishments, Turner often spoke of the work left undone.

“You don’t reverse decades of disinvestment in eight years,” Turner said in a previous Defender interview during his final days in office. “You can start the process of investing and transforming, but that’s not something that will be completed in eight years. So, I wish I had more time.”

Turner was particularly concerned about young men of color caught in cycles of violence and incarceration.

“From a public safety point of view, we’ve dealt with those issues, but it’s never one and done,” he explained. “I’m looking at 16 to 24-year-old, primarily Black males, who are throwing their lives away. And I don’t want to give up on them. We need to fight for them.”

One of his proudest achievements was expanding paid summer internships for youth.

“When I came in as mayor, the summer internship program was for 450 students— all working for the city. This past summer, we increased that to more than 20,000 paid internships. I’m very proud of that,” Turner said.

Turner’s final year as mayor was all about “execution and implementation.” He secured wage increases for city workers, expanded healthcare benefits for municipal employees and revitalized historically underserved communities.

“When you go to the back of a hotel and a cook stops you and says, ‘Thank you for the insurance,’ when janitors and security guards sign a Valentine’s Day card thanking you for getting them a raise—those are the things that matter.”

From shutting down landfills in Black neighborhoods to launching financial

Sylvester Turner throws out the first pitch at the first game of a doubleheader against the New York Mets at Minute Maid Park on September 2, 2017.

empowerment initiatives, Turner’s leadership was transformational.

Even after leaving the mayor’s office, Turner wasn’t done serving. During a December 2024 interview with the Defender, he said while his season may have changed, he was willing to go wherever God called him.

“My season is changing, and I’ve come to the reality that sometimes the best time to move away is when people want you to stay,” he said at the time. “I said, ‘God, wherever you want me to be, I’m available.’ Life has a way of causing you to be more reflective and put things in their perspective. I’ve given 35 years of my life to public service. Maybe it’s about time now for me to reclaim a little bit for me.”

That reflective space didn’t last long because the pull to serve was too great. In 2024, he successfully ran for Congress, representing Texas’ 18th District—a seat previously held

by Barbara Jordan and Sheila Jackson Lee. It was another opportunity for him to champion Houston’s interests on a national level. Turner had plans to build on the legacy left behind by Barbara Jordan, Mickey Leland, Craig Washington and Sheila Jackson Lee but was also looking forward to bringing his perspectives.

Sylvester Turner (C) with Houston Texans Shane Lechler (L) and J.J. Watt (C-R) distribute relief supplies to people impacted by Hurricane Harvey on September 3, 2017.

He had planned to host town hall meetings with his constituents to engage with the community.

“I can’t think of anyone in the state of Texas who has been a legislator, mayor and now a member of Congress,” Turner said at his swearing-in. “I think I bring my own unique experiences and perspective to the 18th Congressional District.”

A legacy of inspiration For Turner, politics was never just about power—it was about changing lives.

One of his most defining moments came not in the halls of government but in a simple interaction with a child.

“I was speaking at the University of Houston, and this little Black boy, maybe 10 years old, walked across the room straight to me and asked, ‘Are you the mayor?’ He followed me to the stage and stood there the entire time, in awe. That moment meant everything to me,” Turner recalled.

His legacy was not just in policies but in the generations of Houstonians that he inspired—those who saw a reflection of themselves in his journey.

Nationally, Turner served as Chair of the

African American Mayors Association and was a Trustee of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, further cementing his reputation as a leading voice in urban policy and governance.

Turner was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and despite his many accomplishments, he remained rooted in Acres Homes. He was also a devoted father and grandfather.

A city in mourning Houston Mayor John Whitmire urged the city to come together in remembrance.

“This comes as a shock to everyone,” Whitmire said. “I would ask Houstonians to come together, pray for his family, and celebrate this remarkable public servant.”

Whitmire, visibly emotional, reflected on his close relationship with Turner.

“Not many people know how close Sylvester and I were. I was in the Texas Senate for 40 years; he was a state representative in my district for 24 years. No one has introduced me more in public than Sylvester Turner,” Whitmire said. “And no one has introduced him more than John Whitmire. We’ve been together in good times and bad times.”

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN InFocus WHAT’S NEXT?

What happens to the Congressional seat?

By Laura Onyeneho

Congressman Sylvester Turner’s unexpected passing on Tuesday, March 4, has left a vacancy in the U.S. House of Representatives, raising immediate questions about the process for filling his seat.

Turner won the position following the passing of longtime Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee last July who also died in office last year amid a battle Turner with pancreatic cancer.

His death comes two months into his first term representing Texas’ 18th Congressional District.

Turner’s cause of death is not confirmed.

As the community mourns, attention now turns to determining who will serve as the district’s next congressional representative.

According to local reports, under federal and Texas state law, the governor must call a special election to fill a vacancy when a U.S. House of Representatives member dies in office.

This is a very critical time for Democrats. With Turner’s passing, the Republican

majority now stands at 218–214. With that ratio, if every lawmaker is present and voting, Republicans can still only afford one GOP defection on any given vote.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott will be responsible for setting a date for the special election. By law, he must issue a proclamation within a reasonable timeframe, though no strict deadline is imposed. However, Texas law requires the election to occur within two months of the governor’s announcement.

Once the governor calls for the election, candidates will be given a filing period to declare their candidacy. If multiple candidates enter the race, a special election will occur, typically in a nonpartisan format where all contenders appear on the same ballot. If no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, the top two vote-getters proceed to a runoff election.

Until the election is held, the congressional district will remain without an official representative in the U.S. House. The late congressman’s office will continue to function, assisting constituents with casework and federal issues through congressional staff.

However, legislative duties such as voting and sponsoring bills will remain unfulfilled until a new representative is elected.

Potential candidates may include previously defeated contenders, local elected officials, or political newcomers seeking to make an impact. Given a special election’s rapid timeline, campaign efforts must be mobilized quickly.

In 2022, Turner publicly revealed he had been covertly recuperating from bone cancer.

Turner shared that he was cancer-free last summer while running for Jackson Lee’s seat.

Turner was mayor of Houston from 2016 to 2024 before entering Congress. He was a member of the Texas House for about 27 years.

What voters should expect Based on the actions taken during the late congresswoman Jackson Lee’s death, voters in Turner’s district should anticipate the following: • Waiting for the governor’s proclamation setting the election date.

• Following candidate announcements and campaign activities.

• Participating in the special election, which could take place within months.

• Preparing for a potential runoff if no candidate secures a majority.

CONGRESSIONAL SEAT PROCESS

Governor’s Proclamation – Governor Greg Abbott will issue an official announcement calling for a special election.

Candidate Filing Period – Interested candidates must file paperwork to run in the election.

Special Election Date Set – The election must occur within two months of the governor’s announcement.

Election Day – Voters will cast ballots to elect a new representative. If a candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, they win the seat.

Runoff Election (if needed) – If no candidate secures a majority, the top two vote-getters will compete in a runoff election.

New Representative Takes Office – The elected candidate is sworn in and assumes congressional duties.

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN InFocus REMEMBERING

Sylvester Turner

Sylvester Turner was more than a politician—he was a pillar of Houston, a champion for the people and a friend to The Defender family. From his early days in the Texas Legislature to his transformative tenure as Houston’s mayor and later as a congressman, Turner dedicated his life to uplifting the community. His leadership, resilience and unwavering commitment to justice left an indelible mark on the city he loved.

In this gallery, we honor his legacy through moments that defined his career and personal impact. From fighting for equity and disaster relief to celebrating with Houstonians at community events, these images capture the essence of a man who never stopped working for the people.

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DEFENDER NETWORK

DN InFocus

Message From the Publisher The connection between the Black Press services and individually for the Black Press. and the Black Church began with the birth We are facing unprecedented challenges, of the first Black newspaper, Freedom’s Jour- and together, we must confront the threats nal on March 16 when a minister, The Rev. against our community and the media. Your Samuel Cornish, and a journalist, John Russ- prayers will be a powerful way to lift us up as wurm joined forces. Considering the chal- we continue the fight for justice and equity. lenges the Black community continues to Like many other media outlets, The Black face, the partnership between the two is vital. Press is transitioning to online and digital Throughout history, the Black Press platforms, which is crucial for us to mainand the Black Church have shared an tain our reach and ensure that our voices unbreakable bond— upliftare heard. So, I am asking you ing, engaging, informing and your church members, and empowering our comfriends, family members and munities. The Black Press has colleagues to sign up for the played an indispensable role Defender newsletters. There in capturing and chronicling is no cost to sign up, and conthe events that have shaped tributions are welcomed also. our history. Without the perThrough this simple act, we severance of the Black Press, can keep you informed about much of our people’s stories news that often goes unreSign up & Donate would have been lost. ported by larger news outlets. to The Defender The Black Press has always By joining our newsletter, our been relied upon for the covaward-winning team of jourerage and conveyance of news in the Black nalists will educate and empower you with Community that often goes unacknowl- the news and stories that matter most to our edged in mainstream media. In this current community. moment, as we face challenges such as the loss of print advertising and sponsorship Thank you for your support. Together, we dollars and the additional impact of the can continue to elevate our people’s voices Canadian tariffs on rising printing costs, and stories. the Black Press needs your support more than ever.

In faith and service, On March 16th, Black Press Day, we Sonceria “Sonny” Messiah Jiles ask you to pray collectively in your church Publisher and CEO

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DN InFocus REMEMBERING

Sylvester Turner

EDWARD POLLARD DISTRICT J COUNCIL MEMBER

Those who knew and loved Sylvester Turner continue to weigh in.

By Tannistha Sinha

TWILA CARTER AT-LARGE POSITION 3 COUNCIL MEMBER

“I didn’t have the opportunity to serve with Mayor Turner, I certainly worked on the other side from the private sector during Harvey. We worked together quite a bit and I affectionately referred to him as ‘S.T.’ and he always laughed. Probably one of my fondest memories…he would come to our Astros gala and he and I were both great fans of Diana Ross. There’s actually a great video out there of the two of us singing. He was a lot of fun. He was very serious about his work. He was a great public servant and certainly why we didn’t always agree, we would kind of have these text battles back and forth…He was focused on making the city a better place, making the state a better place. My condolences to his family and friends.”

TARSHA JACKSON DISTRICT B COUNCIL MEMBER

“I echo my colleagues in sending my condolences to Congressman Turner, Mayor Turner’s family. He was my state representative. I met him back in 2003 when I started advocating for my son. The passion that he showed as I advocated for my son when I first came into the movement. He showed that same passion when I became a council member.

We’ve been able to get a lot accomplished in District B under his leadership from flood mitigation projects to upgrading our parks, projects that the community has been asking for quite some time.

“District B, keep your head up. I know he was family.

He always showed up for our residents, and district being across the city, he would be deeply missed.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.”

ABBY KAMIN DISTRICT C COUNCIL MEMBER

“The test of true leaders are not what things are easy.

It’s when one rises to meet unprecedented challenges.

And despite the fact that Congressman Turner served our city under more federally declared disasters in Houston than years he served. Despite whatever came his way, he not only led our city, but united. He’s not known for those events, he’s known for how much we accomplished despite them. Many of us are heartbroken at the passing of Congressman Turner. And my heart goes out to his daughter, Ashley, his grandson, and his entire family. This is a man that gave his life for our city, his love of Houston, and gave his life for our country, may his memory forever be a blessing and a legacy for all of those that love him.”

Sylvester Turner

MARIO CASTILLO DISTRICT H COUNCIL MEMBER

“It was just a few weeks ago that he was in the Independence Heights community at one of my town halls to advocate for the Independence Heights phase two affordable housing project, shortly after that project moved forward without delay as intended.

That he played a huge role in seeing that through the community is going to benefit from that from years to come. That’s one example of many of how he impacted the State House district, the city and the congressional district that he represented throughout his career. This is a big loss for the city.”

WILLIE DAVIS AT-LARGE POSITION 2 COUNCIL MEMBER

“I’ve known Sylvester for many years prior to my serving on this council. I’ve known him in many aspects.

We’ve been involved much in my first church I served…

Today, we certainly give our condolences…We are certainly saddened, but we will, move on…and God will bless us all and be thankful for him.”

“He was a huge influence for me…I remember in high school I used to go up to his law firm, which was there on Louisiana on one of the higher up floors. And I couldn’t believe that there was a lawyer who was African American who was able to get to this level of success. He helped pay for my law school prep classes. He got me my first internship with the county attorney Vince Ryan’s office.

“We were all better for knowing him. Our city is better for him being in leadership and let us all continue to do the work that he would want us to do to forward his legacy.”

WARREN FITZGERALD MUHAMMAD ACRES HOMES CHAMBER FOR BUSINESS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CEO AND BOARD CHAIRMAN

“He played an instrumental role as a founding member of our organization along with Roy Douglas Malonson more than 36 years ago.

Community leader Beulah Shephard (after whom our building is named), tabbed the young lawyer as an upcoming leader and supported his runs for office. Through the decades, he remained deeply committed to the Acres Home community and was proud to say he was from the 44. Turner supported the mission of the Acres Home Chamber, continuously supporting our efforts to uplift and empower this community.

His leadership, dedication, and unwavering advocacy will be profoundly missed, but his legacy will forever live on in the work we continue to do.”

12 | March 6, 2025 |

DEFENDER NETWORK