DETROIT – Large crowds are expected to attend the public visitation for former longtime Michigan Rep. John Conyers at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History this weekend.
The visitation will continue from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3. For five decades Conyers was a political giant here in Michigan and Washington. His funeral is scheduled for Monday. Conyers died Sunday at the age of 90.
READ MORE: View funeral details for longtime Michigan Congressman John Conyers Jr.
All week long tributes have been pouring in from across the country for Conyers. He was the longest serving African American member of congress and had a storied career. Just a few highlights include helping launch the Congressional Black Caucus; participating in the impeachment process for both President Richard Nixon and President Bill Clinton and working to make Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s birthday a holiday.
But two years ago Conyers resigned his congressional seat amid accusations of sexual misconduct by two staffers. Conyers stepped down with pressure from political leaders, but he never admitted any wrong-doing.
People who worked with Conyers or knew him personally are reflecting on his life. His wife wants people to remember what she considers his best qualities.
“His grace, his peacefulness, his ability to cross lines republican vs. democrats,” said Monica Conyers.
American singer, songwriter, musician and record producer Stevie Wonder released a statement in remembrance of Conyers Saturday.
"John Conyers was my friend and hero. When I was 16, I heard his voice for the first time. He was advocating for a holiday for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was a warm, persuasive voice that made such a clear case for us to recognize this day. I never dreamed I would meet him. I didn’t know that voice and those words would affect my life deeply and we would share that mission together, years later. That mission, the King Holiday, is a symbol of John Conyers’s triumphant legacy. He helped the people do what they had never done before-demand and get a national holiday. That was John’s victory for us. One of my favorite memories is sitting at his keyboard in his apartment, showing him how to play My Cherie Amour. John’s unwavering commitment made him a forever champion in the fight for economic and social justice. John, our journey continues,” Wonder said.