Wake Up America — We Are Better Than This! | Elijah Cummings | TEDxMidAtlantic

In a powerful and wide ranging discussion, Congressman Elijah Cummings implores Americans to hold a mirror to ourselves and ask if we like what we have become. He argues that we should throw out the labels that divide us and focus on being Americans, and that it is our duty to leave our democracy in tact for future generations. The video is taken from excerpts from an interview with TEDxMidAtlantic curator, Dave Troy, recorded on March 30, 2019, in Washington, D.C. Congressman Cummings represented Maryland’s 7th district until his untimely passing on October 17, 2019. He also served as the Chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform. As the main investigative committee in the House of Representatives, Oversight and Reform has jurisdiction to investigate any federal program and any matter with federal policy implications. As the Committee’s Chairman, Congressman Cummings fought to hold the Presidential Administration to a high standard of excellence and to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in the actions of the government of the United States. He also seeks to identify appropriate reforms that prevent waste, fraud and abuse and that ensure government programs meet the needs of the American people.

Congressman Elijah E. Cummings was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, where he still resides today. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Howard University, serving as Student Government President and graduating Phi Beta Kappa, and then graduated from the University of Maryland School of Law. Congressman Cummings has also received 13 honorary doctoral degrees from Universities throughout the nation.

[cindyirene]

I sat front row right in front of Elijah. It was powerful, unreal- an experience I will never forget. RIP Elijah.

[kimknapp]

We're ALL in this Together, indeed Congressman Cummings, "We Are Better Than This!" Rest In Paradise

[justicejoeruthless]

This was his last interview, well done sir. America lost one of the good ones, he was a beacon of truth and integrity. He will be missed.

[SherriSLC]

RIP, Elijah Cummings. Very important to watch.

[LoveAlwaysAlwaysLove]

His Goodness Truth Justice and Love is his legacy.

[theresapotter]

Outstandingly great leader. Prayers and angels and light and love to his precious family..
And his America.

[meheretywingatelejt]

Oh my goodness. I don't even know what to say. A lost of words. America sorry for your loss this great man. What a wonderful human being. Rest in peace Sir.

[williammartin]

Sometimes the last thing you do is the best thing you do

[karenblazingsky]

Thank you for being the voice of reason. I hope we don't disappoint you Elijah.

[libbyworkman]

I am an old white southern woman and Elijah Cummings is my hero. When he says we are better than this it stabs my heart and I cry. I still miss him so much. I sincerely believe that he turned Michael Cohen’s life around when he talked to him.

[chitterville]

So we take our democracy for granted, shame on our Republic . Working with attorneys, our country needs to revere our ancestors, on our freedoms .He will be greatly, missed .❤️🌹

[troypropes]

Only one race exists on this planet, The Human Race. No matter where we are, we all do the same things in slightly different ways. We all love to eat, have families, pets, dance, listen to music, we all care about the Planet that we live on and we are all one big family. Diversity makes us powerful! If you are ready for a change, then be it!

[lohphat]

This man actually put his own life on the line to bring freedom to others, unlike Captain Bonespur.

[kassawjoseph]

Thank you for service.
Rest In Peace

[elianemacdonald]

You are precious Elijah! You will be missed!

[hypolitej]

I’d like to think so Elijah but millions are obviously not better than this. RIP.

[GodswillUgwaJr]

I don't understand the hatred against this man. This talk was wonderful and was admirable. It's a bummer to see so many hateful comments here. Even if you are for Trump, you should be able to agree that we need to be a united nation

[aylbdrmadison]

_"There comes a point when silence becomes a betrayal."_ -MLK. To everyone with the strength of compassion: you must vote.
To everyone who is too small minded to understand that: Literally all heroes became such because they *unselfishly did their best to help others, and to defend those who were less able to defend themselves.* Vote against compassion if you will, it is your choice to choose weakness.

[sammymiller]

What a beautiful soul. I wish I could have met him and shake his hand.

[Enoch]

The Lord blessed us with this man - I attended his funeral service in Baltimore and the love in that house of God was representative of what Rep. Cummings was all about. Rest in Peace and thank you for your service to our democracy.