Thread by @TheBlackCaucus

We –
the nation,
the City of Baltimore,
the State of Maryland,
and the United States Congress - have all suffered a tremendous loss.

As a lifelong advocate for justice, equality, and the truth, Elijah Cummings was the true definition of a leader & his commitment to civility & humanity were invaluable in times such as these.

To many, he was a friend & mentor, but to the members of the CBC, Elijah was family.

Born & raised in Baltimore, to sharecroppers from South Carolina, Elijah knew firsthand the challenges of discrimination, segregation and poverty.

But at the young age of 11, he stepped into his calling by helping to integrate a local swimming pool while being attacked with bottles
and rocks.

This only strengthened his commitment to ensuring his community overcame these obstacles.

Once elected to the Maryland House of Delegates, Elijah became the youngest chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus and the first African American to serve as speaker pro tempore.

As the Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Elijah used his gavel to speak truth to power on behalf of the American people.

Moreover, his fairness and integrity were undeniable by Members on both sides of the aisle.

As a former Chair of the CBC & an active member within the Caucus, Elijah worked fiercely to uplift and empower Black people.

He shared his wisdom & strength in his ongoing efforts to ensure Black Americans received equal rights & protection under the law.

Simply put, Elijah was a civil rights icon✊🏿

Elijah often said, ‘that our children are the living messages that we send to a future we will never see.'

From this perspective, he fought to ensure that
the next generation has access to:
a clean environment,
affordable healthcare,
a quality education,
and financial stability.

The Congressional Black Caucus will
continue his fight and honor Elijah Cummings'
legacy by fearlessly seeking the truth & ensuring
every person in this country has the opportunity to
achieve the American dream.

https://twitter.com/TheBlackCaucus/status/1184833134816301056?s=20

The nation is heartbroken by this loss and
we extend our sincerest condolences to his
wife,
children,
grandchildren,
friends,
staff

and all those positively impacted by his
remarkable life and work. medium.com/the-black-cauc…

I have only just a minute,

Only sixty seconds in it.

Forced upon me, can’t refuse it.

Didn’t seek it, didn’t choose it.

But it’s up to me

to use it.

I must suffer if I lose it.

Give account if I abuse it.

Just a tiny little minute,

but eternity is in it.

– Dr. Mays

55 Members strong, the Black Caucus
is a close nit family.

On Thursday, October 17th, the CBC lost a
member of our family.

#ElijahCummings was
respected, revered, and viewed
as a quiet giant within the caucus.

Through his leadership at @OversightDems,
we watched his heartfelt passion as he
fought for the rights of children separated
from their families.

https://twitter.com/TheBlackCaucus/status/1187839470609063936?s=20

@OversightDems Elijah Cummings came to Congress knowing full
well that he was coming into a body where
people stood on the shoulders of giants.

He never set out to be a giant,
but he became one.

@OversightDems He took on the mantle of the evangelist.

He didn't work to prepare for the hereafter.
He worked to prepare for the
here and now.

@OversightDems When Congressman Cummings spoke,
he spoke with the moral authority,
frequently reminding us that

"WE ARE BETTER THAN THAT."

@OversightDems Let us take comfort & strength in knowing that Chairman Cummings legacy will be forever enshrined in the halls of Congress through the next generation of leaders.

He will be remembered as a man who pulled no punches, was authentic to the core, and a champion of our democracy.

@OversightDems Our Nation will SURELY miss his
love,
compassion,
strength,
brilliance,
and his tireless dedication.