U.S. Rep. Parren Mitchell Remembered for Victories on Behalf of Minority Business
by
Ofield Dukes

Parren James Mitchell was a fierce fighter … for the national cause of minority business.

Mitchell, one of the 13 founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus, died on May 28 at age 85 after a lengthy illness.

While serving in the U.S. Congress from 1971 to l987, representing Baltimore in Maryland’s 7th Congressional District as a Democrat, Rep. Mitchell was the five-star general in the fight to establish legislation and equal opportunities for minority business. He was grassroots savvy, scholarly tactical, and intensely determined to achieve what he considered exceptionally virtuous goals.

“Every minority and women business legislation from the smallest town to the largest state to each and every agency of the federal government can be directly attributed to the legislative activity of Parren J. Mitchell,” said Harry C. Alford, president of the National Black Chamber of Commerce. “He was aggressive and terribly motivated which was the key to his success. He was truly a national hero, who is responsible for billions of dollars in all communities, through his belief that American must equitably distribute its tax funded procurements.”

Attorney Tracey L. Pinson served from 1983 to 1986 as legal counsel to the House Committee on Small Business, chaired then by Rep. Mitchell.

“As the champion for small business, Parren worked tirelessly to ensure that federal agencies and major prime contractors fulfilled their legal requirements to support the small and minority business program,” Pinson said. “Parren was a tough, fiery and an outspoken advocate for small and minority businesses, and most government officials and major prime contractors feared testifying before his committee.”

Rep. Mitchell authored Public Law 95-507, which strengthened the status of the Offices of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization in federal agencies as active advocates of equal opportunities for minority and small businesses.

In l982, Rep. Mitchell sponsored legislation requiring a 10 percent minority goal for contracts awarded in the public works arena under the federal Surface Transportation Assistance Act.

In addition, he also secured passage of legislation that established a 5 percent goal at the Department of Defense for contracts awards to minority businesses.

After retiring from Congress, Mitchell continued his uncompromising fight for minority business through his leadership in the Minority Business legal Defense and Education Fund.

Mitchell was the brother of the late Clarence M. Mitchell Jr., a former director of the NAACP’s Washington office and a chief advisor to President Lyndon Johnson on civil rights.

Rep. Elijah E. Cummings now represents Maryland’s 7th Congressional District.

“Throughout his life, Congressman Mitchell dedicated himself to opening the doors to opportunity for all Americans,” Rep. Cummings said. “He was a true ‘servant leader,’ never concerning himself about fame or fortune, but rather devoting himself entirely to uplifting the people he represented.”

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said in a prepared statement: “With the death of Congressman Parren Mitchell, our nation has lost one of its most fierce champions for justice and equality. Baltimore has lost one of its favorite sons.”

Speaker Pelosi added: “Growing up in Baltimore, the Mitchell family was revered in my home. Parren Mitchell, his brother Clarence, and indeed his entire family devoted their lives to ending racism and ensuring opportunity, and for that, we have all gained.”

Rep. Carolyn C. Kilpatrick (D-Michigan), chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, also paid tribute.

“As a founding member and former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman Mitchell was a galvanizing force for inclusion and fairness for all Americans, with special emphasis on African Americans,” Rep. Kilpatrick said. “A scholar and avid businessman, Rep. Mitchell strategically parlayed his entrepreneurial astuteness into a stellar career in public service.”