Cummings Calls Upon Youth
Published On Friday, February 24, 2006 4:59 AM
Contributing Writer
Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, D-Md., called on students to actively
participate in politics as future leaders in an address at the John F.
Kennedy Jr. Forum last night.
Although the talk was titled "Black Political Empowerment Post
Civil-Rights," Cummings said the challenges facing African Americans
embodied problems facing the nation as a whole, and he spoke broadly of the
importance of inclusion.
"Americans of color will not be fully empowered until all Americans are
empowered," said Cummings, who recently served as chair of the Congressional
Black Caucus. "It is incorrect to speak about civil rights in the past
tense."
The representative critiqued the current administration, saying America has
an unfinished commitment to universal and affordable education and health
care, and to the ongoing civil rights movement.
The remaining disparity in this country, exemplified by the victims of
Hurricane Katrina, must be addressed because "people pay taxes and must
demand rights of their citizenship," Cummings said.
Cummings also repeatedly emphasized that young students should lead change
in America.
Recounting his personal experience, Cummings emphasized the importance of
education and leadership in bringing about change. He told the audience how
he progressed from being a child of sharecroppers and special education
designee, to a Phi Beta Kappa college graduate and a member of Congress.
Audience members-largely
composed of conference attendees and Kennedy School students-erupted
in applause several times during Cummings' remarks.
Jason C.B. Lee '08 said he thought the address "touched on the issues we
often don't get to talk about, but should, on campus."
Audience members asked questions about how change should be enacted in
America and how the current administration should be countered.
"How can we generate momentum to prompt impeachment?" one member of the
audience asked.
Cummings responded that although impeachment is unlikely, people should
continue to demand good government.
Cummings closed with an appeal to students to use their talents to touch
others, which received resounding applause. Markus R.T. Kolic '09 said "it
was stunning, the man is a passionate and inspiring leader."
The representative's speech "reminds me of why I came to the Kennedy
School," Jewel A. James said. "I hope that it inspires others, as well."
Cummings' speech kicked off the annual Public Policy and Leadership
Conference, which aims "to increase the number of minorities involved in
policy making" according to James, a co-director of the conference.