Elijah Cummings

Today marks six years since Elijah’s passing, and I’m amazed at how quickly time has flown. The memories haven’t faded—they’ve mellowed with age, like fine wine. I still laugh at moments we shared and feel grateful for the love, purpose, and lessons he imparted during his remarkable life.

It’s especially meaningful that the SNF Agora Instituto at Johns Hopkins University held the 5th Annual Elijah E. Cummings Democracy and Freedom Festival this week. The event opened with a panel featuring Congressman John Sarbanes and SNF Agora Institute Director and MacArthur “Genius” Award recipient Hahrie Han, who reflected on Elijah’s legacy and the power of community spaces like the YMCA in advancing democracy.

We also launched a new initiative—the Elijah E. Cummings Democracy Design Lab—where Baltimore-area high school students imagine how to strengthen democracy for their generation. The winning team, four brilliant young women from Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, presented their idea on how to advance transit equity in democracy—a topic (unbeknownst to the young ladies) Elijah also championed.

It was also meaningful that the Johns Hopkins Cummings Scholars were in attendance.

I’m deeply grateful to JHU President Ron Daniels, the SNF Agora Institute team, especially Mary Bruce, and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation for making this celebration possible. Elijah would have been proud. And I am so thankful.

SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore's own White House journalist extraordinaire April D. Ryan will moderate the evening debate during the fourth annual Elijah E. Cummings Democracy and Freedom Festival on February 8th, 2024 at the Reginald Lewis Museum. Sponsored by Johns Hopkins University, the event is the culmination of a half day of activities focused on posing new ideas and questions that strike at the heart of our democracy. What is social media's role in our society? Where does civid education need to happen How can youth use their voices and ingenuity to spark at movement? Come discuss these questions and more at EEC DFF 2024! Clink the link below to review speakers and register to attend today.

Elijah E. Cummings Democracy and Freedom Festival 2024 Agenda on Whova February 8, 2024, Baltimore, MD

The annual Elijah Cummings Leadership Awards Dinner benefitting Roberta’s House, a comprehensive grief counseling center serving the residents of Baltimore City, is coming up on April 15, 2023. Last year’s event was an elegant and inspiring affair. This year’s event is expected to be just as riveting if not more so. For more information about sponsorship and ticketing visit: robertashouse.org/events
Roberta's House