Morgan State University gave the public an opportunity to see Representative Elijah Cummings after his recent death.
What We Know:
- Morgan State University held the first public viewing of Maryland Representative Elijah Cummings on Wednesday, October 23 from 10 AM- 5 PM with a tribute service at 6 PM. Weeks following a medical procedure, Cummings passed away due to health complications at the age of 68 years-old.
- He became a member of the Maryland House of Delegates in 1983 and 13 years later moved on to the U.S. House of Representatives. He was the ranking chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee.
- Cummings served in Maryland’s 7th Congressional District where the historically black college is located. He had been on the University’s Board of Regents for 19 years and, in 2006, Morgan State University gave him an honorary Doctorate of Laws. He was pushing policy even in his last hours and his wife, who shared three children with him, is considering running for his seat in the House.
- Morgan State University released a statement prior to the showing stating “During the service, the family and attendees will hear brief remarks from a number of elected officials, religious and community leaders and friends. In between portions of the service, the Morgan State University Choir will perform three musical selections personally requested by Congressman Cummings’ wife, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings.”
He will be making history as the first African American elected official to lie in state in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda and the third African American to be buried there in total.
