‘Our nation has lost a mighty fighter’: Twitter mourns US Rep. Elijah Cummings
Maryland Rep. Elijah E. Cummings died early Thursday of complications from longstanding health issues. As news of his death broke, many took to social media to honor him.
» RELATED: US Rep. Elijah Cummings, chairman of House Oversight Committee, dies at 68
Throughout his decades-long career, Cummings highlighted the struggles and needs of inner-city residency. He also played a major role in investigating President Donald Trump as chairman of the House Oversight and Reform Committee.
Cummings recently underwent an unknown procedure and said he hoped to return to Congress about a week later. He had previously been treated for heart and knee issues.
On Thursday morning, politicians, including Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Stacey Abrams, tweeted their condolences.
Congressman Elijah Cummings was a fearless leader and fighter for justice. His legacy of grace and compassion is an inspiration for us all. His death is not just a loss for the city of Baltimore, but for our entire nation. #RIPElijah pic.twitter.com/XG2YuafO8q
— Keisha Lance Bottoms (@KeishaBottoms) October 17, 2019
Our nation has lost a mighty fighter for democracy, accountability, equity and justice with the tragic loss of Congressman Elijah Cummings. He never forgot that his was borrowed power, which he wielded in defense of the vulnerable and on behalf of the American people. #RIPElijah
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) October 17, 2019
Rep. Elijah Cummings was a fierce champion for truth, justice and democracy—there was no one like him. He spent his lifetime fighting for Baltimore, Maryland and the American people. A huge loss for our nation. Andrea and I send our prayers to his wife and family. #RIPElijah https://t.co/0XwUQmQKMr
— Congressman Tim Ryan (@RepTimRyan) October 17, 2019
America lost a giant with the passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings, a man of principle who championed truth, justice and kindness. He fiercely loved his country and the people he served. Rest In Peace, my friend.
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 17, 2019
My warmest condolences to the family and many friends of Congressman Elijah Cummings. I got to see first hand the strength, passion and wisdom of this highly respected political leader. His work and voice on so many fronts will be very hard, if not impossible, to replace!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 17, 2019
Several remembered him as a powerful orator who used his voice to fight for civil rights. They tweeted videos of some of his most memorable speeches.
House Oversight Committee Chairman Elijah Cummings “fought for Baltimore and for civil rights... known for his thunderous voice and his fearlessness.” #RIPElijah pic.twitter.com/EXQ7bnWbr4
— Isiah Whitlock Jr. (@IsiahWhitlockJr) October 17, 2019
Simply devastated by news of the passing of @RepCummings -- a figure of enormous political and moral dignity and gravity. It's been a couple years since the last time we talked on camera. When it aired, this scene moved people hugely. Watching it now brings me to tears. pic.twitter.com/L4Qnr6Xk6S
— John Heilemann (@jheil) October 17, 2019
Very sad to learn of the passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings this morning. @RepCummings chaired the powerful House Oversight Committee. His booming voice rings in my ears, from when he demanded decency from the head of Homeland Security, for the treatment of children at our border. https://t.co/qZqK1rvKBR
— Piper Perabo (@PiperPerabo) October 17, 2019
This happens to one of my fondest memories of this great man. 😪#RipElijah #ThursdayMorning #ThursdayMotivation #ThursdayThoughts https://t.co/7VsA1ggWbp
— Voice of Reason (@raggapegs) October 17, 2019
Some used the hashtag #RIPElijah, which was a trending topic on Twitter, to pay tribute to the politician and to thank him for his service.
“Our children are the living messages we send to a future we will never see... Will we rob them of their destiny? Will we rob them of their dreams? No - we will not do that.” #RIPElijah pic.twitter.com/ubT3xOX6S8
— Kirsten Allen (@knicole_a) October 17, 2019
OMG, no! 💔💔💔
— Renee (@PettyLupone) October 17, 2019
Thank you for your fight, for your courage, for your wisdom and for your legacy! #RIPElijah
Salute to A Great Man.We appreciated your relentless,unwavering commitment to our community and the country . You’re irreplaceable and that speaks volumes to the legacy that colors YOU. Sound the trumpets and open the doors and windows of Heaven a man from God is home.#RIPElijah pic.twitter.com/gkr0WsPnHn
— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) October 17, 2019
When people say, "Politicians don't do anything!" I always remind them of Rep. Elijah Cummings. There are elected officials who are doing the work and Rep. Cummings was a perfect example. This is a huge loss. #RIPElijah pic.twitter.com/wV4rz0BxkJ
— Clay Cane (@claycane) October 17, 2019
And many said his legacy would live on and vowed to continue his work.
I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Elijah Cummings. A true giant and champion for democracy. He was a fighter and patriot who loved this country and left a lasting legacy in American history. Sending love and prayers to his entire family, friends and staff. pic.twitter.com/mF9lesX38W
— Meghan McCain (@MeghanMcCain) October 17, 2019
With the passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings, Baltimore & America have lost a valiant public servant. The son of a sharecropper, Elijah Cummings became a powerful voice for justice, peace & civil rights. We mourn his loss, and the best way to honor his legacy is to continue his work.
— Senator Jack Reed (@SenJackReed) October 17, 2019
"I will fight until the death to make sure every citizen has the right to vote because it is the essence of our democracy," Elijah Cummings said in February
— Ari Berman (@AriBerman) October 17, 2019
Powerful, chilling words. We can honor his legacy by ensuring everyone has right to votepic.twitter.com/9d8ZICW5is
Rep. Elijah Cummings, a true giant, passed away this morning. I am reflecting on his life and legacy on MSNBC’s #MorningJoe. pic.twitter.com/K6a8Kh1E3S
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) October 17, 2019
About the Author
Najja Parker is a multimedia journalist covering Black culture for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is an engaging on-air talent, who has served as a host for the newsroom’s special projects and events, such as the movie premiere of “The South Got Something To Say,” a documentary chronicling the rise of Atlanta hip-hop.
