For his many contributions to Jazz, and to democracy, a Tribute I produced for Larry Ridleys NAJRI Jazz Hall of Fame, featuring Congression John Conyers.
In 1987, the Honorable John Conyers, Jr., Congressman (D-MI) a champion of jazz, introduced a bill to the House and the Senate that cited the critical need to have Americaâs most unique and original art form afforded a status commensurate with its value and importance in the United States.
The bill passed unanimously: âJazz is hereby designated a rare and valuable national American treasure to which we should devote our attention, support and resources to make certain it is preserved, understood and promulgated.â
Conyers is one of the 13 founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus, and is considered the Dean of that group. Formed in 1969, the CBC was founded to strengthen African-American lawmakers' ability to address the legislative concerns of Black and minority citizens. He has served longer in Congress than any other African-American. In ...
