Honoring The Life Of Congressman Parren Mitchell

Floor Speech

HONORING THE LIFE OF CONGRESSMAN PARREN MITCHELL -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 06, 2007)

* Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Madam Speaker, I wish to honor the life of Congressman Parren J. Mitchell who died on May 28, 2007. Parren J. Mitchell, was a civil rights leader and a dynamic former U.S. congressman who helped to establish the Congressional Black Caucus. Congressman Mitchell was elected to the House of Representatives from Baltimore in 1970 and was Maryland's first black congressman. This great public leader from the state of Maryland served eight terms before stepping down in 1986.

* Born in Baltimore, MD in 1922, Mr. Mitchell was a graduate of Morgan State College and earned a master's degree from the University of Maryland. Mitchell had to sue the then-segregated University of Maryland for admission to the graduate school, and won. Additionally, he served as an officer in the 92nd Infantry Division during World War II, during which time he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. Prior to his election to Congress, Mitchell worked in the administrations of Baltimore mayors Theodore R. McKeldin and Thomas J. D'Alesandro III and Governor J. Millard Tawes. While active in state politics he was known as a passionate defender of minority and civil rights. Congressman Mitchell was also the brother of the late Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr., who was head of the NAACP's Washington office, and was one of Lyndon Johnson's chief advisors in the civil rights movement.

* As a congressman, Mitchell fought for legislation requiring local governments to set aside 10 percent of federal grants to hire minority contractors. Congressman Mitchell was a crusader for minority economic rights and pushed forth to make economic empowerment a reality for minority-owned companies.

* Congressman Mitchell dedicated his life to the ideal of public service. He served his country, his community, and his government with the determination and courage that is exemplary of a true public leader. He demonstrated his courage on the battlefield while fighting for democracy abroad and he would utilize that same courage and zeal to fight for equal rights and opportunities for all Americans here in the United States Congress.

* Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Congressman Parren J. Mitchell.

Source