Washington, D.C. - The National Medical Association President, Oliver Brooks, released the following statement on the passing of Congressman Elijah Cummings, Chairman of the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.
"Rep. Cummings was a courageous champion of the people, including but not limited to African-Americans. He was an example for the young and a hero to his generation.
He was a political warrior, from his time serving in the Maryland General Assembly, as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus to his ascension as Chairman of House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. Congressman Cummings worked tirelessly to eliminate health disparities and advance policies to expand access to affordable and quality health care. He was a lion with a gentle heart dedicated to protecting the rights of the underserved and his constituents.
We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, the rest of his family and his congressional staff. We will miss his strong voice, broad shoulders upon which we rested, and his indomitable spirit."
The National Medical Association is the collective voice of African American physicians and the leading force for parity and justice in medicine. The NMA is the oldest organization of African American professionals in America representing African American physicians and the patients we serve in the United States and its territories.
