Parren J. Mitchell (April 29, 1922 -), a democrat, was a U.S. Congressman who represented the 7th congressional district of Maryland from January 3, 1971 to January 3, 1987. Mitchell was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He served as an officer in the U.S. 92nd Infantry Division during World War II, during which time he was wounded and received the Purple Heart. He received his bachelor's degree from Morgan State University, and his master's degree from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Mitchell had to sue the then segregated University of Maryland for admission to the graduate school, and won. He was also the first African American elected to the U.S. Congress from Maryland.
Preceded by: Samuel Friedel U.S. Congressman, Maryland's 7th District 1971 - 1987 Succeeded by: Kweisi Mfume
