Former Michigan Congressman John Conyers Dies At 90

DETROIT, MI — Former Michigan Congressman John Conyers Jr. died at the age of 90, police confirmed Sunday.

His death was announced by his son who told The NewsHour on PBS that his father had died in his sleep.

Conyers served 54 years in the House of Representatives and was considered “The Dean of the House.” He was also the longest serving black representative in the House.

During his time in the House. Conyers made civil rights one of his key priorities. He hired Rosa Parks to his staff in the 1960s, she would serve until she retired in 1988. Hw also led the push to create a federal holiday honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell called him a “civil rights champion.”

“John Conyers was a civil rights champion who served Michigan and the people of Detroit for decades,” Dingell said. “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.”

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy described him as a staple in the Detroit community.

“From being summoned to his Congressional offices in Detroit and Washington at a moment’s notice, to always taking my meeting requests, to conversing with him in the hallways where our children went to school, Congressman John Conyers was a true Detroit icon and consummate civil servant,” Worthy said. “He never hesitated or ignored calls for help, solicitations for advice, or pleas for resources over the years. I will always remember him for how he lived, worked, helped, and preserved.”

Conyers resigned in 2017, one of the highest profile people to lose their job during the early days of the “Me too” movement. Several women accused him of inappropriate behavior.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib now represents the area of Detroit that Conyers did.