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The body of Congressman Elijah Cummings will lie in repose this week at Morgan State University, where he served for many years on the Board of Regents. Following the viewing, there will be a community-wide celebration of the congressman's life and service at the university’s Murphy Fine Arts Center from 6-8:30 pm on Wednesday, Oct. 23.
There will also be a public viewing in the National Statuary Hall at the U.S. Capitol on Thursday morning, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced. The public remembrance in the nation's capital will follow a formal ceremony for members of Congress, the Cummings family and invited guests.
Ahead of a funeral service at the New Psalmist Baptist Church in his home district of Baltimore, a wake will be held at the church on Friday, Oct. 25. The wake will begin at 8 a.m., followed by the funeral at 10 am.
According to a church spokeswoman, Bishop Walter S. Thomas Jr., the church’s pastor since 1975, is scheduled to deliver the eulogy. In lieu of flowers, Congressman Cummings' family has asked that donations be made to The Elijah Cummings Youth Program (ECYP).
"We grieve the loss of our founder, great leader, and friend, Congressman Elijah Cummings," reads a statement on the ECYP website. More than 20 years ago, Congressman Cummings joined with Jewish and African-American leaders and the Baltimore Jewish Council to create the Elijah Cummings Youth Program in Israel, a non-profit organization that prepares high school students in Maryland’s 7th district to become future leaders. Through the program, he touched the lives of many young people. The Congressman would regularly remind us that “our children are the living messages we send to a future we will never see.” His work consistently reflected that belief. We are honored to have had the opportunity to work so closely with Congressman Cummings on this initiative, and vow to ensure that ECYP continues in his memory."
Congressman Elijah Cummings died Oct. 17 from complications due to long-standing ill health. He was 68 years old.