[Remembering Congressman John Conyers]
Congressman Dan Kildee: John Conyers was a fighter for civil rights who served the people of Detroit in Congress for over 50 years. As a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, John Conyers rose to become the longest-serving African American in Congress and Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives. Throughout his life, John Conyers helped to advance many important causes, including expanding voting rights and equal rights for all Americans.”
Photo: Facebook
Congressman Conyers and President Obama share a laugh.
Democratic members of Congress are responding to the death of long-time Michigan Congressman John Conyers. The former legislator, who was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, died yesterday at 90.
Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence (MI-14) issued the following statement on the passing of Congressman Conyers:
“I am more than saddened by the loss of such a dear friend, colleague, and political pioneer. John Conyers, Jr. spent a lifetime in public service, leading the charge on civil rights, social justice and equality for people of color in America. His life and legacy will continue to impact many generations to come. I extend my sincere condolences to his wife Monica, his sons John Conyers, III and Carl, and the rest of the Conyers’ family.”
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) said of Conyers “John Conyers was a civil rights champion who served Michigan and the people of Detroit for decades. He began his career working for John Dingell, before running for Congress himself and they both believed in justice and equality for all. John Conyers spent his life championing those causes. The fights John Conyers fought will be remembered for generations. I am deeply saddened by his passing. May God bring his family comfort during this difficult time.”
Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement: “John Conyers was a fighter for civil rights who served the people of Detroit in Congress for over 50 years. As a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, John Conyers rose to become the longest-serving African American in Congress and Dean of the U.S. House of Representatives. Throughout his life, John Conyers helped to advance many important causes, including expanding voting rights and equal rights for all Americans. Jennifer and I extend our condolences to John’s family during this difficult time.”
U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) said of Conyers: “From being in Selma, Alabama, on Freedom Day during the Civil Rights Movement — to co-founding the Congressional Black Caucus, chairing the House Judiciary Committee and becoming Dean of the House of Representatives — Congressman Conyers dedicated his life to fighting for civil rights. While serving in Congress with him, I saw firsthand his dedication and passion for his beloved City of Detroit and the Congressional district he represented. Colleen and I send our sympathies to the Conyers family during this time.”
U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) released the following statement: “Congressman John Conyers spent his entire life working for the people of Michigan. From serving in our armed forces, to leading the fight for civil rights and representing Detroit in Congress for more than 50 years, John was consistently at the forefront of the critical issues impacting families. Throughout his lifetime of service, he never lost sight of the people he represented. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
And Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) said this on the passing of former Congressman John Conyers, Jr.: “I am very saddened to hear Congressman Conyers passed away. He was a champion for racial equality and changed Congress for the better by co-founding the Congressional Black Caucus. John was a powerful and effective legislator who never stopped fighting to improve our nation. Vivian and I send our condolences to his family and will keep them in our prayers.”
