WASHINGTON – Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman Elijah Cummings, Chair of the House Oversight and Reform Committee:
“Elijah Cummings was a giant and the civil and human rights community has lost a dear friend and ally. Congressman Cummings deeply loved his city of Baltimore, tirelessly fighting for his constituents. In the aftermath of the death of Freddie Gray, he was a stalwart for justice, urging peace and calling for reform. Chairman Cummings deeply loved his country, standing for the rule of law and unabashedly willing to hold those in power in check. He fought for a fair and accurate census, stood for families separated at the border, and worked across the aisle to conduct meaningful and necessary oversight. We will strive to live up to his legacy. Our thoughts are with Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings and all those whose lives were enriched by Congressman Cummings.”
The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights is a coalition charged by its diverse membership of more than 220 national organizations to promote and protect the rights of all persons in the United States. The Leadership Conference works toward an America as good as its ideals. For more information on The Leadership Conference and its member organizations, visit www.civilrights.org.
