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.” – Sonny Messiah Jiles, CEO/Publisher
“Sylvester Turner was more than a leader—he was a champion for Houston, a fierce advocate for the Black community and 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, Associate Publisher
“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
“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
“I watched Sylvester Turner from a far 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 then stepping in last year to run for the 18th District Congressional seat after the unfortunate passing of his friend and fellow Houston champion Sheila Jackson Lee. Houston has lost two major pillars within a short time, and now we 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
“As a new-ish 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
