Congresswoman Lee Recognized with Leading Light Award by Immigration Equality
Oakland, CA – Today Congresswoman Barbara Lee received the Leading Light award from Immigration Equality at the organization’s SHINE event hosted, in New York City.
“I am deeply humbled to receive this award from Immigration Equality, an organization that’s on the front lines fighting for humanity in our broken immigration system, especially amongst LGBTQ people who are disproportionately at risk,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee. “For too long, our broken immigration system has callously torn too many families apart. I am proud to stand with Immigration Equality and others as we fight for system driven by justice that recognizes the inherent humanity in every person.”
Immigration Equality is the nation’s leading and largest LGBTQ immigrant rights organization.
"The Immigration Equality team is incredibly grateful to Rep. Lee for her leadership in Congress. She has always fought hard for what she believes to be right, including overturning the HIV travel ban, ensuring that immigrant families can stay together, and that LGBTQ families are legally recognized. We are pleased to honor Rep. Lee at our third annual SHINE Awards, and look forward to our continuing working together," said Aaron C. Morris, Executive Director of Immigration Equality, the nation's leading LGBTQ immigrant rights organization.
Two other leaders in the field were also honored at the event. Carmelyn Malalis, chair of the New York City Commission on Human Rights, and Noemi Masliah, co-founder of Immigration Equality, also received Leading Light awards.
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Congresswoman Lee is a member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees, the Steering and Policy Committee, is a Senior Democratic Whip, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. She serves as chair of the Democrat Whip Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality and Opportunity.