Watch CBS News

Michigan Congressman Conyers Honored For Service In Congress

DETROIT (WWJ) - A tribute is being held for Congressman John Conyers, of Detroit, this evening to honor his five decades in Congress.

The 84-year-old Conyers has served in Congress for 46 years, the second longest serving member of Congress behind Congressman John Dingell, of Dearborn.

The president of the Detroit Chapter of the NAACP, the Reverend Wendell Anthony, says the gala at Greater Grace Temple, is well deserved.

"He has been a champion for all people and particularly, African Americans. As you know, he is the sponsor of the Martin Luther King Junior national holiday bill and he brought that back 15 years in a row to make certain that that would be rooted in history."

Anthony says Conyers has been a champion for civil rights, for women, and immigration rights and he says Conyers was the only politician endorsed by Dr. King.

Reverend Jesse Jackson and Judge Damon Keith will be among those honoring Conyers.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.