(8/30/97 Baltimore AFRO-American Newspaper)
by Congressman Elijah E. Cummings
Coretta Scott King, the widow of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was profiled in Life Magazine several years ago. The publication recognized Mrs. King for the courage and dedication exhibited in continuing the valuable economic and civil rights work she shared with her husband. In that article the writer asked Coretta Scott King what she wanted her legacy to be.
Instead of relating the lingering pain that she must have felt because of the loss of her husband, a great man that she often called her best friend, Mrs. King said, "I hope that the world would remember me for many things. I hope they would call me a champion for women and a protector of children. Those are things I have tried to do. But if I had to choose one thing for people to remember me for, I would want to be called a good, loving, and caring mother. There would be no greater honor."
In a world where there are so many distractions, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and praise mothers. I want to especially recognize a great Baltimore community leader and mother who will celebrate 84 years of life on September 2, 1997.
The first time I met Mabel Diggs Payne, I was a guest at her church, New Shiloh Baptist. An extremely spiritual woman, she can often be found greeting church members and is never too busy to hand out hugs and kisses to the children who seem to be drawn to her side. She is quick to give a personal testimony about her relationship with God and loves to invite people to visit New Shiloh.
Ms. Payne is a cornerstone of the Baltimore community. Born in 1913, through her eyes and through her stories, the history of Baltimore comes alive. The Baltimore Ms. Payne knew as a child, is very different from the one we know today. It was once a city where Blacks were a minority of the population and where education and work opportunities were limited. Now, it is a place where we serve in all sectors of a thriving society.
This dynamic lady has a presence that is felt state-wide, all the way to the halls of the Maryland State Legislature where her son, Senator Larry Young, serves as the chairman of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus. The strength of this quiet and gentle woman, who has steel-gray hair and always dresses impeccably, is the reason Senator Young went into public life. On election day, you will find Ms. Payne campaigning for her candidates throughout the 44th Legislative District and greeting voters with a bright smile and a firm handshake.
It was not an uncommon sight in the 1700 block of McCulloh Street a few years ago to see Ms. Payne holding court from her second story window. She would be telling the children, many of whom called her "Ms. Mabel," to play safely, watch out for traffic, and to stay away from drugs. I often saw young mothers standing on the sidewalk in front of Ms. Payne’s house with their new babies in their arms. They would be looking up to her window as she dispensed words of wisdom on parenting and care giving.
Dr. Walter Thomas, the pastor of New Psalmist Baptist Church, has said, "A person’s experiences and pain create a passport to help others with their problems." I have no first-hand knowledge of all of the things which have shaped the life of Ms. Payne, but I have witnessed the love, encouragement, and warmth she gives so freely to others. It is genuine and comes from a place deep in her heart, a place, I believe, which has known its share of pain and heartache. Senator Young told me, "Nothing in life came easy to my mother, but she never let difficulties get her down. Growing up, I was amazed at how she found a positive aspect, even in the most negative of situations."
Her life has been an example of family and community responsibility. Ms. Payne has said she didn’t get far in school, but graduated at the top of the class from the "school of hard knocks." She doesn’t always have a lot to say until she gets to know you. However, when she does speak, her words are powerful and full of meaning.
When I look at my life and anticipate reaching 84 years of age, I want to see myself as a testament to truth, goodness, and responsibility -- just as mothers like Coretta Scott King, Mabel Diggs Payne, and the woman who brought me into this world, Ruth Cummings, taught me.
When I watch the evening news, I worry that we are forgetting the lessons of mothers like Ms. Payne. It seems that many young people do not seek the wisdom of their elders and, therefore, have no sense of community or respect for the value of human life.
Yet, I know that is not true. All over Baltimore there are women who face obstacles daily, not totally dissimilar to those faced by Ms. Payne. These strong and dedicated mothers are helping their children with homework, working second or third jobs to feed their families, and praying to God each night that He keep their children safe from harm. They are able to look out their windows and not simply see angry Black men, but young people who are in need of a mother’s love and guidance.
My life, and the lives of countless others, have been forever changed by the privilege, honor, and joy of knowing Ms. Payne. To Senator Larry Young and the family of this great woman -- thank you for generously sharing her with us.
Happy 84th Birthday Ms. Payne, and thank you to all mothers for reaching out and uplifting our lives.
-The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings represents the 7th Congressional District of Maryland in the United States House of Representatives.