The body of the late US Rep. Elijah Cummings will lie in state in the National Statuary Hall of the US Capitol this week.
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Congressman Elijah Cummings, the powerful Democratic chairman of the House Oversight Committee, passed away late last week after a series of lingering illnesses. Today, he is being lauded for his years of public service.
“Elijah Cummings was my beloved brother of more than 40 years. And I miss him already,” said Rev. Jesse Jackson. “People like Elijah do not come like grapes in bunches; he was the rarest of breeds. He walked and worked with queens, kings, speakers, and presidents, yet he treasured traversing and conversing with his Baltimore family the most.”
“A champion for the poor and downtrodden, Rep. Elijah Cummings has departed,” wrote actor George Takei. “He strove through decades of service to bring justice and dignity to greater numbers in this world. We honor his life and his work, and pledge to continue his fight. Rest now, great soul.”
“#RIP Elijah Cummings,” wrote actress and producer Kerry Washington. “Your bold intellect and fierce courage will continue to inspire us. With gratitude and love we celebrate your legacy and mourn your passing. Love and light to your family.”
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“Did you see him? Did you see him? Our children are living messages we send to a future we’ll never see. Now, our children are sending us to a future they’ll never see. Something is wrong.” Elijah Cummings at Freddie Gray’s funeral. American patriot. May he journey well. #RIPSir pic.twitter.com/vO07p9fdcF
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) October 17, 2019
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America had a great loss today. Elijah Cummings said: “When we’re dancing with the angels, the question will be asked in 2019, what did we do to make sure we kept our Democracy in tact. Faced with the greatest corruption in US history, we honor him by honoring his words.
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) October 17, 2019
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that a formal ceremony, open to members of Congress, the Cummings family, and invited guests, will be held Thursday morning and will be followed by a public viewing.
Additionally, a wake and funeral are planned for Friday at New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore, where Cummings worshipped for nearly 4 decades.
As for his position in the House of Representatives, Cummings’ widow, Maya Rockeymoore said she may wish to pick up her husband’s work where he left off and fill his House seat.
“I only have a minute…60 seconds in it. Forced upon me, I did not choose it..but I know that I must use it. Give account if I abuse it….suffer if I lose it. Only a tiny little minute….but an eternity is in it.”
Elijah Cummings received a standing ovation for his April 1996 debut in the chamber, during which he recited a poem about the ephemerality of life and declared his mission was to empower people. -HuffPost
May this great man Rest in Peace.