BALTIMORE (WJZ) – Elijah Cummings has influenced millions of Americans, but for those in what he calls home, the late Baltimore congressman is a true hero not to be missed.
Christopher Batten, a local artist, was commissioned by Johns Hopkins University to paint a portrait of the civil rights leader. The final product was announced on Thursday.
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Batten said: “I stand here for people like him.
The artist said he conducted research by reading Cummings’ works and talking to some of the people who understood him best.
Batten is pleased to hear the portrait will be revealed first to future generations at Henderson-Hopkins Elementary School.
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Ron Daniels, President of Johns Hopkins University, said the painting will be on display at the Milton S. Eisenhower Library starting in April.
“Elijah is an MP, a civil rights fighter, a lover of our city and a believer in the people who call the city home,” he said.
Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, widow of Elijah Cummings, gave books to students at the launch and told them the story of 11-year-old Elijah who joined the protest.
“Make sure your voice is heard and develop yourself so that by the time you are old enough you can become a voter and maybe even run for office yourself,” she said.
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Students are then tasked with creating self-portraits that will be displayed on campus upon completion.
https://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2022/01/20/johns-hopkins-university-unveils-portrait-of-elijah-cummings/ Johns Hopkins University Reveals Portrait of Elijah Cummings – CBS Baltimore
