Post Office Named After First MD African American Congressman

An act of law 109-327 has enabled Baltimore's Gwynn Oak Post Office to be renamed after the legendary pioneering congressman Parren J. Mitchell. At a solemn ceremony held at the Enoch Pratt Central Library in Baltimore last Friday January 26, a plaque bearing the name of the frail yet alert 85 year old Mitchell was unveiled to enthusiastic guests made up of family, friends and admirers.

Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, and his team who worked tirelessly to make this possible, said the event was to "honor a great man. Parren Mitchell is indeed one of my true heroes. He is a role model to many of us. He has dedicated his life to opening doors for thousands and thousands of people like me. Whether as a decorated officer who got injured in World War II or a politician or a professor of sociology, Congressman Mitchell has always put at the center of his life the fight for advancement of common people. We express our appreciation tonight for his service to this country, to Maryland and to Baltimore".

Mitchell, who was assisted into the hall in a wheelchair, received a long standing ovation.

Postmaster William Ridenour, who unveiled the plaque flanked by Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, Hon. Cummings, Hon Kweisi Mfume, Clarence Mitchell III, Councilman Keith Mitchell and other members of the Mitchell family, said the decision to rename the Post Office after Mitchell was easy. "We are doing this to show appreciation for his commitment to public service. He is one of our most distinguished citizens. We are doing this so that this plaque will be hung to preserve his memory and to inspire others".

A teary eyed Mfume, in a short tribute, thanked Mitchell for his life's work. "Thank you for your vision and your foresight and for taking people like me in thereby providing us with an alternative dream and allowing me to be part of the fight for making our lives better. I love you more than words can express."

"His name has become synonymous with economic empowerment", said Gov. Martin O'Malley. "He is a great man indeed and the example he has set continues to inspire all of us. I am proud to be part of tonight's event."