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Former Rep. John Conyers, a Michigan Democrat who represented the Detroit area for more than 50 years before resigning in 2017, died on Sunday (October 27) at the age of 90.
John Conyers III, the congressman’s son, confirmed the news with CNN. Conyers was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the longest-serving African American member of the House of Representatives. He was a member of the Judiciary Committee and at one time served as the chairman of the panel.
Conyers was also a civil rights icon who was a major player in the push to establish a national holiday to honor Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
The Detroit Free Press reports that Conyers died of natural causes.
Born in Detroit in 1929, Conyers was elected to Congress in 1964 and used his position to champion the Civil Rights Movement. In 1994, he worked on the Violence Against Women Act and became the first African American to serve as Chair of the House Judiciary Committee in 2007.
Conyers was also a trailblazer in crafting legislation around reparations for slavery. Beginning in 1989, Conyers introduced a bill at the beginning of each session of Congress that called for a “congressional study of slavery and its lingering effects as well as recommendations for ‘appropriate remedies.'”
Rep. Rashida Tlaib, who won Conyers’ district following his retirement in 2017, tweeted Sunday about her admiration for the longtime representative, writing that he “never once wavered in fighting for jobs, justice and peace.”
“We always knew where he stood on issues of equality and civil rights in the fight for the people,” she said. “Thank you Congressman Conyers for fighting for us for over 50 years.”
Our Congressman forever, John Conyers, Jr. He never once wavered in fighting for jobs, justice and peace. We always knew where he stood on issues of equality and civil rights in the fight for the people. Thank you Congressman Conyers for fighting for us for over 50 years.
— Rashida Tlaib (@RashidaTlaib) October 27, 2019
Famed civil rights activist Rosa Parks worked in Conyers congressional office from 1965 until she retired in 1988.
“For a long time he was Black America’s congressman,” Sam Riddle, a longtime family friend and consultant to the Conyers family, said Sunday. “On the streets of Detroit, he’ll be mourned.”
Members of Congress and other politicians also mourned on Twitter. See what some had to say below.
Saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman John Conyers. He was a tireless advocate for racial and economic justice for more than 50 years. As a CBC co-founder, he focused the nation’s attention on inequality and so many overlooked issues. My heart is with his family today.
— Rep. Barbara Lee (@RepBarbaraLee) October 27, 2019
For over 50 years, Congressional Black Caucus Co-Founder John Conyers Jr., reminded us to fight for jobs, justice, and peace and ensured we never forget Martin Luther King Jr.’s sacrifice. We carry on his fight today.
My prayers are with his family today.
— Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) October 27, 2019
John Conyers, a civil rights legend, died in his sleep last night, at 90 years of age.
“JC,” as we called him, had courage like few members of congress I’ve known.https://t.co/G3SyfQejoI pic.twitter.com/3CnktpZRay
— John P. Flannery (@JonFlan) October 27, 2019
Tonight, we celebrate John Conyers. He was a champion for civil rights and understood long before it was popular that health care is a human right.
Thank you, John, for a life of extraordinary service. pic.twitter.com/w0fjwkIRpe
— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) October 27, 2019
Sad to hear of the passing of former Congressman John Conyers. He worked with us on many civil rights cases as Chair of the House Judiciary Committee and helped lead the fight for the Martin Luther King Holiday. May… https://t.co/1r5vMzAUZh
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) October 27, 2019
Rest in power, trailblazer. 👊🏾https://t.co/MCfsDUTjjz
— Andrew Gillum (@AndrewGillum) October 27, 2019
Frmr Congressman #JohnConyers was the 1stguy that #DrKing opened the campaign for&was the longest serving AfricanAmerican in Congress.He single-handledly fought for a King holiday.He ledthe ground work.He is the reason for the #DrKing holiday.His inspired the Stevie Wonder song. pic.twitter.com/BCWMFxhJM7
— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) October 27, 2019
Another lifelong public servant has left us. I was proud to be a partner year after year with @RepJohnConyers on our fight to end racial profiling by law enforcement. The struggle continues but he will now #RestInPeace https://t.co/31uxRoN4iq
— Senator Ben Cardin (@SenatorCardin) October 27, 2019
Sad to hear of the death of the legislative legend, civil rights stalwart and political giant #JohnConyers. He was a member of my church in Detroit, a revered figure I knew since I was a child. The only man endorsed by both Martin Luther King and @BarackObama. Rest well! pic.twitter.com/xrwd2iimrc
— Michael Eric Dyson (@MichaelEDyson) October 27, 2019
This story is developing. We will bring you more details as they become available.
Our thoughts are with Rep. John Conyers’ family and friends during this difficult time.
Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
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