Commencement Program 2026 - Flipbook - Page 2
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
The Honorable Kweisi Mfume, U.S. Congressman, District 7
Born and raised in Baltimore, Kweisi Mfume has dedicated his
career to public policy and civil rights. He is an alum of Baltimore
City Community College (BCCC), which was known as the
Community College of Baltimore at the time of his attendance. An
honors graduate of Morgan State University (where he currently
chairs the Board of Regents) and Johns Hopkins University, Mfume
began his political ascent on the Baltimore City Council before
serving 昀椀ve terms in the U.S. House of Representatives (1987–1996).
During his initial decade in Congress, he chaired the Joint Economic Committee and the
Congressional Black Caucus. He was a key advocate for landmark legislation, including
the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Civil Rights Act of 1991.
In 1996, he left Congress to serve as President and CEO of the NAACP for nine
years. His tenure was marked by restoring the organization's 昀椀nancial and national
prominence, negotiating the 昀椀rst “Network Television Diversity Agreements” with major
broadcasters, establishing 75 new college chapters and creating economic “scorecards”
for major industries.
Congressman Mfume later held leadership roles in healthcare and research, including
Executive Director of the National Medical Association and a four-year term with the
National Institutes of Health (NIH). In 2020, he returned to Congress after winning the
special election for the seat of his late friend, Elijah Cummings.
Currently, he serves on the House Oversight and Accountability Committee and the Small
Business Committee. He remains a prominent voice on health equity, having passed the
Henrietta Lacks Enhancing Cancer Research Act to diversify clinical trials. A best-selling
author No Free Ride and recipient of 11 honorary doctorates, the Congressman continues to
bridge the gaps in American social, economic, and health policy.
VA L E D I C T O R I A N
Tanisha Elliott
Tanisha Elliott is an addiction counselor and harm reduction specialist
serving individuals in Baltimore, Maryland, and remotely in Boston,
Massachusetts. Her work is grounded in a commitment to reducing
overdose risk and improving recovery outcomes through a thoughtful
integration of artistic expression, behavioral strategies, and holistic
approaches. In addition to supporting individuals and groups in their
recovery journeys, Tanisha is a dedicated wife, mother, friend, and
proud Baltimore City resident.
Today, Tanisha graduates from Baltimore City Community College with an Associate of
Applied Science degree in Addiction Counseling. She will continue her academic journey
at the University of Baltimore, where she plans to study Policy, Politics, and International
A昀昀airs. With aspirations to attend law school by 2028, Tanisha is driven to in昀氀uence
meaningful reforms in drug policy and housing at both the city and state levels in Maryland.
Baltimore City Community College
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