With the passing of U.S. Congressional Representative Elijah Cummings, the nation has lost a leader, and the working people of our nation have lost a formidable champion and advocate. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, and their three children; his friends and staff; and the people of the 7th Congressional District of Maryland.
A former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Cummings made voting rights, equality, and access to opportunity a top priority. He was also committed to ensuring that young people had access to a bright future. As Chair of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, he led the charge to defend democracy and to hold government officials accountable.
The ILWU had the privilege of working with Rep. Cummings when he was both Chairman and Ranking member of the House Transportation Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee which has jurisdiction over maritime law. He was a tough defender of maritime workers and our collective bargaining rights. He pushed the Coast Guard and the maritime industry to create more opportunities for women and people of color.
Chairman Elijah Cummings was respected by Democrats and Republicans for his toughness, fairness, kind heart and decency. A truly great leader, he once said that his life was “filled with pain, passion and purpose.” We can honor his legacy by acting with purpose and integrity in our efforts to achieve equality, justice and opportunity for the American people.