Former Rep. John Conyers Jr., D-Mich., died at home while he was asleep, a family spokesperson confirmed. He was 90 years old.
"Today, the city of Detroit, The United States and the world lost a fearless civil rights leader and hero, Congressman, John James Conyers, Jr.," a statement on behalf of the Conyers family said. "Congressman Conyers was a devoted father and husband and his world revolved around securing justice against racial and economic discrimination. A founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and throughout his 53 years in U.S. Congress, Conyers authored or sponsored legislation that impacted the lives of millions; including the Martin Luther King Holiday Act. His legacy and advocacy for human rights will live on forever."
He was the longest serving African American member of Congress in U.S. history.
"My husband was a fighter; when your back was up against a wall, he was right there with you," Monica Conyers said in a statement Sunday night. "Not just for me, but for everyone.”