Congressman Elijah Cummings A Baltimore Original A family, a city and a nation

Congressman Elijah Cummings: : A Baltimore Original

A family, a city and a nation mourn the loss of Congressman Elijah Cummings. Learn more about this Baltimore icon and the legacy he leaves behind.

#HOWCEE Radio Thanks Donna Owens

Written by Donna Owens

When Rep. Elijah Cummings departed this earth in the wee hours of October 17, 2019 following a series of health challenges, America lost a Congressman and a patriot. Baltimore, the city where Cummings was born and raised, lost a native son.

“Elijah” as many friends and constituents simply called him, was the kind of elected official who could be seen pushing his cart down the aisles of Whole Foods Market. You might run into him soaking up Black history at the city’s Reginald F. Lewis Museum. Or while dining at IHOP in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

The Congressman hosted an annual jobs fair that drew thousands, a Congressional art competition for high schoolers, and seminars for prospective college students. He was a consistent presence, advocating for organizations such as Roberta’s House, a grief center in the city, and Associated Black Charities, a community nonprofit. A gifted orator, the lawmaker delivered speeches in his trademark booming voice at countless high school and college graduations. 

Elijah Cummings will lie in state in the U.S. Capitol (Statuary Hall) next Thursday, Oct. 24. A private ceremony will be held for members of Congress, relatives and guests with a public viewing following. A public wake and funeral will be held on Friday, Oct. 25  beginning at 8 a.m. at New Psalmist in Baltimore.