John Conyers

Date of Birth: May 16, 1929

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: October 27, 2019

Biography

John James Conyers Jr. was an influential American politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Michigan from 1965 to 2017. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Conyers was a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. His lengthy tenure in Congress made him one of the longest-serving members in U.S. history. Conyers was a staunch advocate for civil liberties, social justice, and economic equality. He played a key role in the passage of significant legislation, including the Violence Against Women Act and the Martin Luther King Jr. Day federal holiday. Despite his many achievements, his career was marred by allegations of sexual harassment, which led to his resignation in 2017.

5 Interesting Facts about John Conyers

1. John Conyers was one of the 13 founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971.

2. He introduced the first bill to establish Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a federal holiday just four days after King’s assassination in 1968.

3. Conyers served in the Korean War as a member of the National Guard and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

4. He was a vocal critic of the Iraq War and was one of the first members of Congress to call for the impeachment of President George W. Bush.

5. In 2007, Conyers became the first African American to chair the House Judiciary Committee.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Conyers

1. “We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”

2. “There is no question that the American people want a government that is transparent, accountable, and responsive.”

3. “The right to vote is the cornerstone of our democracy, and we must do everything we can to protect it.”

4. “Social justice is not a theory, it is a command. It is the end toward which all of us must strive.”

5. “The fight for civil rights, economic justice, and equality is never over.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, John Conyers’ net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.

Children

John Conyers had two sons, John Conyers III and Carl Edward Conyers. John Conyers III is a political activist and businessman, while Carl Edward Conyers has maintained a relatively private life.