Congressman Elijah E. Cummings Speaks to Heinz School Black Alumni in DC
On March 6, 2003, U.S. Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, Representative of Maryland's 7th District, met with more than 50 Heinz School alumni, staff and students in Washington D.C. He was the keynote speaker at a meeting of Heinz School Black Alumni. Congressman Cummings set the tone for the meetings with an inspirational address urging Heinz alumni to appreciate the opportunities that they have had in their lives and to continue to work to make those same opportunities available to others.
As the incoming chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman Cummings is leading the effort on Capitol Hill to support the University of Michigan - and educational institutions, in general - in the practice of affirmative action. Living in the inner city of Baltimore, the Congressman sees first hand that opportunities are still lagging for many young, African-Americans. He noted that inner city kids can not possibly compete on a level playing field on standardized tests like SATs, when equipment, text books and technology in inner city schools is severely lacking or out-of-date.
"One thing that these tests do not score is determination and drive," the Congressman said. "People will do well if given the opportunity and encouragement."
The Congressman talked about many of his friends who had their dreams shattered along the way. "They were constantly told what they couldn't be instead of what they could be. If you can chip away at the baggage, get rid of the negativity of people putting you down, you can succeed. And that's what happened to all of you."
Congressman Cummings concluded his speech with a moving story about this father. "I remember what my father said to me the day when I was first sworn in as congressman. It was a proud day with me standing on the steps of the capitol building - the speaker of the House on one side, my family on the other. Afterwards, when my parents came down to congratulate me I noticed my father was in tears - in all of my 49 years, I had never seen my father cry. I asked him why and he said,'I am so proud of you and what you have accomplished. But I am not crying for you - I am crying for me. Because today I see in you what I could have been.'"
Organized by Stanley Tucker MS'79 and Heinz School staff, this meeting brought together Heinz School Black Alumni to meet current administration and hear updates about the School and its diversity efforts. As a result of the meeting, the Heinz School Black Alumni are in the process of organizing themselves to assist the School with fundraising for diversity fellowships, recruiting minority candidates and creating a formal network of Heinz School Black Alumni. Anyone interested in getting involved should contact Stanley Tucker at stanley.tucker@mmggroup.com