Hero of the Week: Rep. Elijah Cummings 1951-2019
Image: Justin T. Gellerson for The New York Times
Yesterday, the U.S. Congress, as well as the City of Baltimore, lost one of its most beloved colleagues and public servants, Rep. Elijah Cummings. Cummings, the 20+ year representative of Maryland’s 7th District as well as the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, was admired and respected by his own party but also by many of his colleagues across the aisle–a rare feat in these heavily partisan times.
Rep. Cummings will be remembered for many things: his decency, his devotion to truth and democracy, but also for his ardent championship of the environment and environmental justice. He fought for his beloved Baltimore to have the same clean air and water as all other communities and was a staunch supporter of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. More than anything, he knew that climate injustice had no place in an America worth fighting for:
“The climate crisis has enormous implications for the health, safety, and well-being of Maryland citizens, as well as people across the country and the world, and far too often, those most affected by climate change are the most vulnerable members of our community.”
Our hearts are so heavy to hear of his passing. We’re sending our deepest sympathies to Rep. Cummings’ family, staff, and his community that is reeling from his loss.
If you have a moment, watch Cumming’s interview with 60 Minutes from earlier this year.
He will be sorely missed.
