Maryland Congressman Elijah Cummings was a powerful voice for the poor, downtrodden, voiceless and those who were unjustly, unfairly, unequally mistreated here in the United States.
I did not know Congressman Cummings personally, but I heard his powerful speeches in the halls of Congress and on different committees and in the Black Congressional Caucus. He was a strong advocate of developing the God-given potential and talents and gifts of young people across the country and around the world. He was a very passionate and compassionate man who was a humble servant of God. He was a man of great integrity and truthfulness. He was bold in his delivery and articulation.
At his funeral, former presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama as well as Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton were among the many speakers. Bishop Walter Thomas Sr. preached a powerful eulogy entitled “Why Elijah wants you to come to church.” Congressman Cummings was a great man of faith and a born again spirit whose parents were Pentecostal preachers.
Congressman Cummings was chairman of the oversight committee and the impeachment process. In his last act in Congress he signed a stack of subpoenas to summon witnesses to testify before his committee. He was a strong advocate and believed in Democracy and the U.S. Constitution in which the current administration is busy trying to destroy.
When Congressman Cummings’ body was rolled out of the church, the congregation stood to their feet and sung the Negro Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” He leaves a legacy of lifting thousands of voices across the world. May God bless his memory.
Rev. Arsben Dennis Jennings, Lima
