Remembering Representative Donald McEachin

By: HRM Staff

Representative Donald McEachin was born and raised in the state of Virginia. His father was an Army veteran, while his mother was a school teacher. Before joining Congress, he studied at American University. He went on to study law at the University of Virginia School of Law and received his Master of Divinity degree from The Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University. 

As a member of Virginia’s General Assembly and elected as the U.S. Representative for the 4th Congressional District of Virginia in the United States House of Representatives in November of 2016, McEachin successfully acted for the Commonwealth of Virginia. He was selected to serve as co-chair of the House Democratic Environmental Message Team, co-chair of the Congressional Black Caucus’ Transportation, Infrastructure, Environment, and Energy Policy Council, and serve as the vice-chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC). The Congressional Black Caucus wrote of McEachin, “Congressman McEachin leaves behind a long legacy of public service and success in fighting for justice, civil rights, equity, and for the protection of the environment. He was a trailblazer and a tireless leader who fought hard and paved the path for so many.” Congresswoman, Alma Adam, a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, also released a statement on Rep. McEachin’s passing, stating, “As a fellow member of the Congressional Black Caucus, I was proud to work with Don on issues ranging from Black Maternal Health and HBCUs to the preservation of African American Burial Grounds.” His passion for protecting his people was no secret.

Rep. McEachin was active in his community as he was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., NAACP, Virginia State Bar, and the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. Being a proud advocate of working Virginians, he pushed for families and children. While practicing law, he was able to get many clients the resources they needed after getting into accidents or injuries. Vice President Kamala Harris exclaimed, “Congressman Donald McEachin was a relentless advocate for his community, a dedicated colleague, and loving husband, father, and grandfather. In Virginia’s General Assembly and the United States Congress, he was tireless in the fight for justice.” U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, said, “He was a gentle giant, a compassionate champion for underdogs, a climate warrior, a Christian example, an understanding dad, a proud husband, a loyal brother.” 

Rep. McEachin dedicated his life to public service in hopes of promoting equality, ending gun violence, protecting the environment, and providing citizens access to affordable health care. He will be greatly missed and honored forever. As a man of great integrity, influence, and power, he leaves a mark on this earth. Leaving behind his lovely wife and three children, his legacy will continue.