Passing of former Congressman John Conyers Jr.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
October 28, 2019
The Transformative Justice Coalition (TJC) Statement
on the Passing of former Congressman John Conyers Jr.
[Washington, D.C.] Daryl D. Jones, Esq, Chair of the Board of Directors and Barbara R. Arnwine, Esq, President of the Transformative Justice Coalition issued today the following statement regarding the passing of former Congressman John Conyers Jr.:
“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.
"It is with a heavy heart that the Transformative Justice Coalition received the news of the passing today of former Congressman John Conyers Jr., a true giant who dedicated his life to the struggle for racial and social justice. During his decades of service, Congressman Conyers literally rewrote the book regarding civil rights and economic Justice for all Americans. Notably, he was a founder of the Congressional Black Caucus. In his beloved Detroit, he welcomed, befriended and hired civil rights icon Rosa Parks who worked for him until she retired in 1988.
“He was a seminal leader in the House in securing the passage of The Affordable Care Act which has provided healthcare and saved the lives for millions previously uncovered.
“Despite widespread criticism, he introduced in 1989 and faithfully reintroduced year after year HR 40 calling for a commission to study reparations proposals for African Americans. After his departure from Congress, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee inherited his mantle of leadership on HR 40. On June 19, 2019, to widespread acclaim, the US House of Representatives finally held a hearing on HR 40 with many attributing this achievement to Congressman Conyers' historic leadership.
“Similarly, undaunted, beginning in 2001, he annually proposed legislation to end racial profiling in policing. Had this legislation passed, it would have helped stem the epidemic of racist police shootings of African Americans which has engulfed our nation. Today, TJC facilitates the Civil Rights Coalition on Policing Reform to address this crisis.
“On other critical criminal justice measures, he was a front line leader advocating for the Racial Justice Act which would have allowed challenges based on racial disparities to the death penalty and was a vocal critic and opponent of harsh and disparate sentencing.
“His imprimatur was writ large on the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.
“And he strode the globe fighting for justice, especially by supporting successful measures to end apartheid in Southern Africa. During his 1990 visit to Detroit, Nelson Mandela paid tribute to Congressman Conyers and Rosa Parks.
“Based on these and so many other golden accomplishments, in 2015, the Transformative Justice Coalition bestowed upon Congressman Conyers its inaugural Champion of Transformative Justice Award.
“In 2016, Congressman Conyers and TJC President Barbara Arnwine co-authored and published an op-ed in The Nation, We Need to Build a Voting-Rights Movement and worked closely together to rejuvenate the congressional fight against voter suppression.
“During the July, 2019 Democratic Debates in Detroit, TJC President Barbara Arnwine had a warm and substantial talk with Champion Conyers.
“TJC extends thoughts and prayers to his family, friends, constituents and all those who loved him. In the years to come, TJC will do everything within our power to honor his legacy through our work. In our hearts, The Honorable John Conyers Jr. will always be the Dean of the Congress! His dedicated struggle and sacrifice moved this nation and world forward through giant steps towards transformative justice!”
About the Transformative Justice Coalition
Founded by Barbara Arnwine the former President and CEO of the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law, the Transformative Justice Coalition seeks to be a catalyst for transformative institutional changes that bring about justice and equality in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.tjcoalition.org.