Elijah Cummings to lie in state at US Capitol

Funeral arrangements have been set for 12-term Maryland U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, who died early Thursday morning.

On Friday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced that Cummings will lie in state in National Statuary Hall in the United States Capitol on Oct. 24.

A formal memorial ceremony for members of Congress, the Cummings family and invited guests will be held Thursday morning, followed by a public viewing, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said. More details will be announced later.

“In the House, Elijah was our North Star. He was a leader of towering character and integrity, whose stirring voice and steadfast values pushed the Congress and country to rise always to a higher purpose. His principled leadership as chair of the committee on Oversight and Reform was the perfect testament to his commitment to restoring honesty and honor to government, and leaves a powerful legacy for years to come," Pelosi said.

Cummings will be laid to rest next week. Funeral services will take place Oct. 25 at the New Psalmist Baptist Church in Baltimore. A viewing will begin at 8 a.m. following with the service at 10 a.m.

[SOURCE: WBAL]

Sen.Cory Booker statement on the passing of Elijah Cummings

NJ Senator Cory Booker released the following statement via Twitter on the passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings.

Today our country lost a true leader. Congressman Elijah Cummings was a friend, a passionate fighter for justice, and a powerful voice of moral conscience in our government who served his country for decades with dignity and integrity. I’m blessed to have known him. #RIPElijah

— Cory Booker (@CoryBooker) October 17, 2019

Whitney Houston & Notorious B.I.G nominated to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Sixteen musical artists have the chance to go into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's class of 2020. Among those 16 artist are the late Whitney Houston and the late Notorious B.I.G.

Fans can now vote for their top five favorite artists on the list here: Rock & Roll Hall Of fame Voting

The official inductee ceremony will take place May 2, 2020, at the Public Auditorium in Cleveland, Ohio. An "induction week" to celebrate the hall of fame newbies will precede the grand ceremony.

The nominees are selected by a nominating committee and sent to "1,000 historians, members of the music industry and artists—including every living Rock Hall inductee—and the five performers receiving the most votes become that year's induction class."

Rep. Maxine Waters Statement on the Death of Rep. Elijah Cummings

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-43), Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, issued the following statement on the death of Congressman Elijah Cummings (MD-7), Chair of the House Oversight and Reform Committee:

“There are no words that are sufficient in describing the immense sorrow I feel following the passing of my dear colleague and friend, Chairman Elijah Cummings.

“I have known Chairman Cummings for more than two decades. He considered me a mentor since his time as a freshman member, and I considered him a brother and cherished friend. While there are so many fond memories that I have of Chairman Cummings, what I loved and admired most about him was his dignified and courageous leadership, and his fierce and unflinching advocacy for justice, civil rights, and equality. He loved his family, his community, and this nation deeply, and fought with ‘every breath in his body’ to protect them — no matter the cost.

“Chairman Cummings was the son of sharecroppers, and rose from humble beginnings to unprecedented heights in his 68 years of life. He was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Howard University, and earned a juris doctor degree from the University of Maryland School of Law. He was the first African American to serve as the Speaker Pro Tem of the Maryland House of Delegates, where he served for 14 years. In the U.S. Congress, he has provided strong leadership of the Oversight and Reform Committee, and has absolutely sacrificed in order to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

“Elijah Cummings fought the good fight, and his legacy represents an unwavering love for his community and a tireless commitment to public service. He was and always will be remembered as a beacon of truth and light in the face of unprecedented lies and corruption.

“There is perhaps no other Member of Congress who is so respected, admired, and loved by his colleagues on both sides of the aisle as the one and only Elijah Cummings. He was a true patriot and a giant among men. His absence leaves a gaping hole in our hearts and the halls of Congress. I love him, I will miss him, and my deepest condolences and prayers are with his loving wife, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, his family, his beloved hometown of Baltimore, and all those who loved him.”

Barack Obama statement on the passing of Elijah Cummings.

Former U.S. President, Barack Obama released the following statement via Twitter on the passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings: