From Concept to Reality

The Parren J. Mitchell Memorial, dedicated to the first Black Congressman elected from Maryland, was unveiled by the City of Annapolis in partnership with the Caucus of African American Leaders and the Martin Luther King Jr Committee, Inc. of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County..

Family and community members gathered at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center. Mitchell’s great-niece, Lisa Mitchell Sennaar, praised the city for honoring him publicly, calling him “all in.”

Beyond Congress, Mitchell helped make Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a state holiday, making Maryland the second state to do so.

Speakers noted that Mitchell was always supportive, with Sennaar adding, “He never said no.” His great-great-niece, Dara Sennaar, expressed pride in the family legacy and seeing the community honor it.