Interviewer: Jacob Wagner

Project: University Of Houston

Dr. Alison Leland, a political science professor at the University of Houston talks about her husband, former Houston Congressman Mickey Leland. Dr. Leland married Mickey Leland in 1983, while she was obtaining her law degree at Georgetown University, and he was just starting his third term as a congressman. Mickey Leland represented the 18th District of Texas in the House of Representatives, which encompassed the Fifth Ward, Third Ward of Houston, as well as areas near Rice University and Houston Heights. Prior to his time in the House of Representatives, Mickey served as a representative in the Texas House. During his political career, Mickey was characterized by a humanitarian attitude, and helping those in need of a voice. From his own humble beginnings, Congressman Leland established a precedent of assisting those most in need to give them the opportunities he did not have. Mickey Leland was killed in a plane crash in Ethiopia while on a humanitarian mission. Alison Leland candidly discusses that period of time as a wife and mother. The couple had a very young child and she had just found out she was expecting twins. Despite his loss twenty-five years ago, Alison Leland marvels at how he remains alive in the memories of those who knew him and how she continues to learn things about her husband every day.