Kweisi Mfume is a Democratic Representative for Maryland, born on October 24, 1948, in Baltimore. He graduated from Frederick Douglass High School in 1972, later earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Morgan State University in 1976 and a Master of Arts from Johns Hopkins University in 1984. Mfume's career has spanned various roles, including serving as an assistant professor, a program director at a Baltimore radio station, and a member of the Baltimore City Council from 1979 to 1986.
His political career commenced in earnest when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1987, serving until his resignation in 1996. After a period as the chief executive officer of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) from 1996 to 2004, Mfume returned to Congress in 2020 by winning a special election to fill the vacancy left by the late Elijah Cummings. He has since been re-elected multiple times.
In Congress, Mfume is an active member of several key committees, reflecting his commitment to various issues, including healthcare, civil rights, and government accountability. His legislative efforts are characterized by a focus on the needs of marginalized communities and historical issues of racial inequality.
Mfume's recent sponsorship and co-sponsorship of significant legislation illustrates his ongoing commitment to these values:
Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act (HB40) - This bill seeks to establish a commission aimed at studying the injustices faced by African Americans and proposes recommendations for reparations to address systemic discrimination and ongoing disparities.
Doris Miller Congressional Gold Medal Act (HB2336) - This legislation posthumously honors Doris Miller, an African American sailor who demonstrated remarkable bravery during World War II. This act serves to acknowledge the contributions of African American servicemen who have often been overlooked due to historical racial discrimination.
Justice Thurgood Marshall National Historic Site Establishment Act of 2025 (HB1718) - This bill aims to recognize the legacy of Justice Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, commemorating his contributions to civil rights and justice in America.
Preventing Maternal Deaths Reauthorization Act of 2025 (HB1909) - By increasing funding for maternal mortality review committees, this legislation underscores the importance of addressing healthcare disparities affecting women, particularly in marginalized communities.
Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025 (HB1144) - This bill enhances federal resources to combat human trafficking and seeks to protect vulnerable populations, particularly children.
These legislative initiatives not only reflect Mfume's political leanings towards civil rights, social welfare, and equality for disadvantaged groups, but also highlight his commitment to fostering a comprehensive approach to contemporary issues facing his constituents.
Overall, Mfume’s career and legislative focus exemplify a longstanding dedication to advancing civil rights, social equity, and government accountability, aligning with a broader Democratic agenda advocating for systemic reforms. His service is characterized by an enduring commitment to address and rectify the historical injustices faced by African Americans and other marginalized communities.