I woke up early today to a text message on the sad news that Rep. Elijah Cummings (D. MD) passed early this morning. Elijah was a husband to Maya Rockeymoore, father, brother, lawmaker and friend to many persons, including myself. Just about everyone in Baltimore has an Elijah Cummings story. I am no exception. Many persons call Rep. Cummings by first name as he gave the impression that he was everyone’s friend. For this article, I will refer to him as I knew him—simply as Elijah. I first met Elijah when I graduated from law school. I didn’t know lawyers with whom I could seek advice. I personally didn’t know any lawyers. Elijah was a family friend who agreed to meet with me to discuss preparing for the Maryland bar exam and on becoming a lawyer. I expected it to be a one- time meeting. However, it turned into a lifetime of mentorship to me. He assisted me with tips on taking and passing the bar exam. I believe that due to his mentorship, I passed the Maryland bar on the first try. … [Read more...] about My Tribute on the Passing of Rep. Elijah Cummings
Congress
Gun Shootings Require Action From Lawmakers–Not Just Prayers
Two days after the midterm elections, I woke up to the news that another mass shooting occurred--this time in a supposedly safe suburban community outside of Los Angeles. A white man opened fire in a college bar and grill restaurant killing 12 persons, including a 29 year police veteran. On Saturday, November 3, I woke up to the news that a gun shooter killed two persons in a yoga class and wounded several others. My initial thought was we can’t even peacefully pray, meditate or practice yoga or dance in this country without the fear of being gunned down. It was just the previous week that I felt the pain of gun violence at a Pittsburgh synagogue killing seven Jewish persons. And yet, many of our powerful lawmakers act powerless in the face of tragedy. We need more than just thoughts and prayers in these tragedies from our lawmakers. Tragedy is what propelled Lucy McBath, a gun control advocate, to run for office. McBath appears headed to Congress from Georgia’s 6th district, once … [Read more...] about Gun Shootings Require Action From Lawmakers–Not Just Prayers