A legacy of justice and equality were the themes sounded by both politicians and admirers at the memorial service for former congressman and civil rights leader Parren Mitchell.
Hundreds of mourners gathered at the St. James Episcopal Church in West Baltimore near Mitchell?s home, and remembered one of the founders of the Black Congressional Caucus as an activist who cared and as a leader with courage.
“Many people have the courage of convictions, but few have the capacity to transform their convictions into action,” eulogized Gov. Martin O?Malley.
The governor was joined by Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, who presented the Mitchell family with a flag that had flown over the Capitol dome.
“With the passing of Parren Mitchell was have lost our most passionate advocate for civil rights,” said Pelosi, a Baltimore native.
The former congressman, who died of pneumonia on May 28 at the age of 85, was honored for his service as the first black member of Congress from Maryland, a decorated veteran of World War II and a champion of black-owned businesses.
Many in attendance paid homage to Mitchell and his family for their pioneering and continued advocacy for civil rights. Mayor Sheila Dixon credited Mitchell for blazing a trail that she has followed.
“When I was a little girl growing up in East Baltimore, I had a dream of public service, because of Parren Mitchell?s footprint, and because of his leadership, he made my dream possible,” she said.
City Councilman Keiffer Mitchell, the former congressman?s nephew, recalled his kin?s guidance and leadership. “For me he was not only an uncle, but a teacher and a mentor,” he said.
But as the echoes of the Morgan State University Choir filtered out into a warm spring day, it was Albert Liaison 65, a Vietnam veteran and city resident, who summed up Mitchell?s legacy.
“He was everything,” Liaison said. “He fought for equality for all us, and I think that?s why his legacy will last.”
