The Legacy Of Congressman Elijah Cummings

"When Elijah Cummings would stand up in the state legislator, in the house of delegates as it's called there, the room would fall silent," She continued, "Everyone wanted to hear what Elijah has to say."

Long before 12-term Congressman was a top Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives, he was a longtime advocate for his hometown of Baltimore and champion for civil rights. The Baltimore Sun paid tribute to the trailblazer who began his political career running for state delegate in 1982. He would go on to serve for 14-yrs in the General Assembly, before becoming the first African American to be speaker pro tem in Maryland’s history and the youngest chairman to head the Legislative Black Caucus. 

When Rep. Kweisi Mfume step down to lead the NAACP, Cummings ran to fill the seat of Maryland’s 7th Congressional District and won. The son of sharecroppers, he was one of seven children. Cummings was well educated earning a Bachelor's, where he pledged Phi Beta Kappa and served as student government president. The legendary HBCU posted a tweet in response to his passing: 

As reported Cummings graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law, and passed the bar exam in 76'. Prior to becoming a public servant he to work at a Baltimore law firm and eventually his own practice for several years.

Elijah Cummings was one of Barack Obama's earliest campaign supporters in spite of the fact that most of the Congressional Black Caucus and others were backing Hillary Clinton in 2007. CNN reports the former President said he and Michelle were "heartbroken over the passing of our friend, Elijah Cummings." In a statement about the late Congressman Obama said,

“It’s a tribute to his native Baltimore that one of its own brought such character, tact, and resolve into the halls of power every day." Adding,"And true to the giants of progress he followed into public service, Chairman Cummings stood tallest and most resolute when our country needed him the most. May his example inspire more Americans to pick up the baton and carry it forward in a manner worthy of his service."

Cummings was one of the earliest supporters of Obama's presidential candidacy back in 2007 when many members of the Congressional Black Caucus and others were backing Hillary Clinton's campaign.

He fought for justice for all alongside Dr. Martin Luther King. Cummings stood for fairness and the equality of all in the face of adversity his entire life. He represented dignity, honor, humility and decency throughout he his life and career. Known as the "Heart and Soul of his Caucus" his tensity and strength will be missed in Congress as he led the investigations into the presidents

A passionate man of integrity and a true patriot Cummings leaves his wife, Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, the chair of Maryland’s Democratic Party and three children to carry on his legacy. Following her husband's death Mrs. Cummings made the following statement:

“He worked until his last breath because he believed our democracy was the highest and best expression of our collective humanity and that our nation’s diversity was our promise, not our problem… I loved him deeply and will miss him dearly.”