Certainly, the well-earned tributes and fond recollections will come rolling in in droves regarding the passing of a true AMERICAN PATRIOT, Congressman Elijah Cummings. However, those of us that knew him personally will have a particular gnawing void and a profound sense of loss, because of the complex, rare, and incredibly attractive personality that was uniquely Elijah.
In recent years as I was less and less a part of the community, he'd always exclaim, "MAN! Where you been?" He'd further chide me looking side-eyed, but affectionately and say as my Dad often did, "Check in sometimes!"
He was that rare politician who could step outside the protection and cocoon of his inner circle and honor, with authenticity, the many relationships he'd built in Baltimore over a period going back to the '50s. Indeed, when affectionately talking about him in our circles, someone would invariably say, "EVERYONE has an Elijah story!"
Also, it was my observation that because he carried himself within his calling a certain way above board, he didn't suffer fools or mince words seeking political correctness. He called it as he saw it, often speaking in confidence what all present might know, but dare not say. Unlike some we've been forced to follow, Elijah was not a punk and always backed those who were his supporters as long as they stayed on the right side of principle and propriety.
My family and I, along with many others, knew him as a community-based attorney, partner of Eddie Smith, and Howard University graduate going back to the '70s.
Many knew him as that bright young, attractive suited-up esquire living on Madison Avenue; who long-time leader and state representative, Lena K. Lee, pulled up one day and entreated to him that she had been watching him and was convinced that he'd be a great state representative on behalf of her influential neighborhood and community. Baltimore and the Old Line State of Maryland is a literal breeding ground of stalwart political leaders, jurists, and statesmen. No wonder she holds dear, sons and daughters the likes of Parren and Clarence Mitchell, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer, Thomas D'Aleasandro, Jr. & Sr., Ben Cardin, and our beloved Elijah.
While representing the major retail stores in Maryland, in their quest to overturn the antiquated Blue Laws as a Lobbyist and aid to Jean Fugett, Jr. in the late '80s, Elijah was one of the very first state delegates to meet with us. Not afraid to paddle upstream in the face of his many colleagues who were routinely ignoring our requests to simply be heard and state the case for our clients. He was always known in his circles and particularly among his political colleagues as a man of his word, who you could count on, once he'd cast his lot as an ally.
The 7th Congressional District in Maryland is a historic bally wick of this great nation and legislatively a treasure trove, furnace, and incubator of measures and trends that have shaped our nation over the past 3 generations. The 7th is indeed the Titular seat of the inimitable Parren James Mitchell, Maryland's 1st Black Congressperson and 1st Chair and Founding Member of the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus. Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr.'s little brother. Clarence, known as the 101st Senator because he lobbied tirelessly as an unofficial Senator for the Voting Rights and the historic Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1965, opening up our nation forever on its path towards being more inclusive.
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Suffice to say, when notable and successful Mitchell successor Kwiese Mfume abruptly announced that he would not seek office again in 1996, almost 30 prospective candidates immediately threw their hats in the ring. A number of those candidates were experienced and more than qualified, some like Bishop Frank Madison Reid, State Senator Larry Young, Legendary Attorney A. Dwight Pettit, and State Senator Delores Kelly were formidable.
Less than 2 days after Elijah had thrown his hat into the ring, friends and civic leaders Edwin Avent, N. Scott Phillips, Ricky D. Smith and I sat down with Elijah in his 24th Street Law Office around the corner from my home on Calvert Street. We essentially told Elijah at a time when he was a little let down by a number of colleagues and friends (who were either in hiding or openly supporting a rival), that after our unscientific survey of the crowded field, he stood head and shoulders over everyone from our perspective, because of his record of leadership and reputation in office as well as in the community.
We made the point directly and candidly that while we knew as members of a small and intimate community, that he wasn't a 'perfect servant' or man (who is?), we had no doubt that he had been and would be a PUBLIC SERVANT and we could sleep well with his victorious candidacy, knowing that he would focus on serving his constituents...and the rest, as they say, is history!
Elijah and I grew close during a campaign that would make an epic box office hit if made into a movie, or definitely be a best seller as a political drama novel. As members of Bishop Walter Scott Thomas' New Psalmist Baptist Church, one of my jobs was to accompany Elijah to the many churches in the district. Elijah had been well churched growing up as both his parents were Pentecostal Ministers.
A particularly funny moment between us was when we both fell sound asleep in church, almost openly snoring, during a boring sermon delivered by one of the district's influential ministers. Elijah woke up abruptly, slid an elbow into my side and pulled me close ear-shot and whispered loudly into my soul, "Ingram, you know Doc (Rev. Doctor Walter Scott Thomas) really spoils you!" Then with a slight nod towards the cleric in the pulpit, whom we were both positive was raising the roof, Elijah exclaims, "This guy CAN'T PREACH!!!"
We both busted out laughing...'til our sides ached and tears were rolling down both our cheeks. Hurriedly getting out of our pews up front. Of course, now we promptly removed ourselves and moved on to the next house of worship. Over the years this was an experience we shared and chuckled like two schoolboys about.
The '96 campaign though short in terms of days and months, was especially long and at times bitter. Many things us insiders experienced (and there were literally no more than ten, if that many) and know will go to the grave with us, but I have no doubt that like Edwin, Scott, Ricky and me, they will say that while Elijah went on to distinguish himself both on a national and global level even exceeding expectations, we were not at all surprised.
You see, a handful of us heard his stump speech at least 100 times! He always ended it with a speech and famous poem by our greatest educator from our fellow HBCU Morehouse College, that sums up the fact that he knew life for us all was short and that he for one, was going to maximize his contribution in LIFE:
I Have Only Just a Minute
By Dr. Benjamin Mays
I have only just a minute,
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 if I lose it.
Give account if I abuse it.
Just a tiny little minute,
but eternity is in it.
Like Lincoln Dear Elijah, you belong now to the ages. You used your minute wisely and I and many in our community and nation are eternally grateful. Rest In Peace & Power Christian Soldier.
Robert "Bob" Ingram, SVP Strategic Programs at BDO is a proud graduate of the Nation's Oldest HBCU, Lincoln University, PA.
