“I have only just aminute, 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 ifI lose it. Give account if I abuse it.
Just a tiny little minute, but eternity is in it.”
–Congressman ElijahCummings
Sept. 4, 2019, was the last time I saw Congressman ElijahCummings in person, and it may have been at one of his last public events.
I saw him at Beth Tfiloh, an Orthodox synagogue near myhome, where he participated in a town hall discussion about the future ofBaltimore. In partnership with Liberty Grace Church of God, Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg,Reverend Terris King, Sen. Ben Cardin and Congressman Cummings, the forum wasan opportunity to highlight the collaboration between faith leaders, and a recognitionthat breaking down barriers is just one step on the path toward building abetter Baltimore.
When I saw a member of his staff that night, he told me thatRep. Cummings almost didn’t attend the gathering because he wasn’t feelingwell. It’s enormously important that even though he was clearly uncomfortableand struggling with his health, he thought it important to participate in theTown Hall.
Surely not for the first time, Rep. Cummings said thatnight, “Diversity is our promise.” And, he meantit. Even a scant survey of the tweets and social media posts in his memorydemonstrate the scope, breadth and depth of his relationships.
He was profoundly rooted in Baltimore — not just the City,but in the county and the entire region he represented, both in the Statehouseand in Congress. White people, blackpeople, brown people, young people, older people, people of all faithtraditions and individuals from all parts of the country are feeling theprofound loss of this moral leader.
I heard him speak numerous times and he was always appealingto the “better angels of our nature,” by exhorting, “We can do better.” Oneleft a gathering with Rep. Cummings inspired, and he had the unique gift as apublic speaker who could simultaneously call out our shortcomings and inspireus to be better and to do better – not just for today, but for the future.
The night at Beth Tfiloh he repeated a quote that was afavorite of his, “Our children are our living messages we send to a future wewill never see.”
When I heard the news this morning that Rep. Cummings hadpassed away, I wanted to stay in my pajamas and connect with others who weremourning. But then I remembered — that we can be better. So I showered, gotdressed and headed off to the elementary school that I was scheduled to visit,albeit a bit late for my appointment.
When I explained my tardiness, the principal nodded, and Ithink she truly understood. When I departed, I looked up at the U.S. andMaryland flags, which were flying at half-staff, and I knew that she really didunderstand.
While the world is a bit darker and will feel his absence,let us all keep the memory of Congressman Elijah Cummings alive by fighting forthose most in need among us. May his family and friends find comfort in thedays and weeks ahead, and may his memory be a blessing.
Del. Shelly L. Hettleman represents the 11th District in the Maryland General Assembly.
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