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About the Mickey Leland Center


The Mickey Leland Center at Texas Southern University

The Mickey Leland Center (MLC) at Texas Southern University (TSU) honors the enduring legacy of Congressman Mickey Leland—a visionary public servant, humanitarian, and champion for underserved communities. The MLC operates as a collaborative partnership between the university and the community. Driven by a shared commitment to equity, service, and opportunity, it serves as a central hub that drives research, education, and public policy to tackle today's most pressing social issues. 

Through interdisciplinary collaboration across public health, law, urban planning, public policy, environmental science, and related fields, the MLC connects academic expertise with community knowledge to develop practical, holistic evidence-based solutions that improve the quality of life for historically underserved populations. By fostering innovation, civic engagement, and strategic partnerships, the Center continues Congressman Leland's vision of empowering communities through knowledge, advocacy, and action. 

The Mickey Leland Centers work is guided by four core pillars:

  1. Educational Initiatives- developing future leaders through programs, professional 
    development, and experiential learning opportunities.

  2. Research and Policy Analysis – Conducting interdisciplinary research that informs policy 
    and addresses complex community issues.

  3. Community Engagement and Technical Support – Partnering with community 
    organizations, public agencies, and stakeholders to provide technical assistance, 
    resources, and collaborative solutions.

  4. Information Clearinghouse – Serving as a trusted source of research, data, publications, 
    and best practices that support informed decision-making. 

Housed at a Historically Black College and University, the Mickey Leland Center reflects Texas Southern University's longstanding commitment to public service, academic excellence, and community engagement. Continuing Congressman Leland's legacy, the 
Center works alongside local, national, and global partners to strengthen communities, expand opportunity, and promote solutions that create lasting social impact. Inspired by Congressman Leland's belief that leadership is measured by service to others, the Center remains committed to advancing meaningful scholarship, cultivating future leaders, and building collaborative partnerships that transform research into action. 

Through this work, the Mickey Leland Center preserves his legacy while preparing the next  generation to address the evolving challenges facing communities across Texas, the nation, and the world.