Elijah E Cummings Democracy and Freedom Festival

The Elijah E. Cummings Democracy and Freedom Festival is an annual gathering hosted by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University. The festival honors Congressman Elijah Cummings’ lifelong commitment to justice, equity, and civic participation by creating a public space where dialogue and democracy meet in practice.

Each year, the event brings together students, scholars, artists, policymakers, and community members to examine how democratic life can thrive amid division. Through keynote conversations, performances, and student-led initiatives, the festival encourages people to listen, connect, and imagine new ways to strengthen civic life.