Rep. Conyers to make announcement on future plans Tuesday

Conyers remains hospitalized amid sexual harassment allegations

DETROIT – Michigan Rep. John Conyers is expected to make a decision on his future Tuesday.

A rally in support of Conyers was held Monday. The rally was organized by a group who believes -- at the very least -- the congressman deserves some time. 

  • Here's who attended:  Dr. Charles G. Adams, Rev. Christian Adams, Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, Rev. Wendell Anthony, Fellowship Chapel, Rev. Charles E Williams II, National Action Network, Min. Troy Muhammad, Nation if Islam, Min. Malik Shabazz, Hon. JoAnn Watson, Chairman Jonathan Kinloch, 13th Congressional District Hon. Keith D. Williams, Former Wayne County Commissioner, Commissioner Alisha Bell, Commissioner Jewel Ware, Wayne County Clerk Cathy M. Garrett, Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo, Detroit Caucus Chairwoman, Rep. Latanya Garrett, Rep. Leslie Love, Rep. Sylvia Santana, Sen. Ian Conyers, Hon. Nelson Saunders, Hon. LaMar Lemmons, Hon. Thomas F. Stallworth, III, Hon. Alberta Tinsley Talabi, Hon. Mary Waters, Mayor Kelly Garrett, Hon. Simone Lightfoot, Hon. Wanda Akilah Redmond, Hon. Elena Herada, Activist Helen Moore, Keep the Vote No Takeover, Activist Sam Riddle, Activist Tamika Gaines, Activist Ernest Johnson, Activist Paul Taylor, Inner City Sub Center

"It seems to have been a rush to judgment here. They feel that this is premature. He has not had a hearing and that that is a violation of his basic right to due process," said Conyers' attorney Arnold Reed. 

The group says the rush to judgment is from those calling for Conyers to resign. The 88-year-old congressman faces sexual harassment allegations from his former staff members. However, he has denied any wrongdoing. 

Michigan leaders weigh in

Local leaders say on Capitol Hill it's been a difficult issue to address. 

"I couldn't look like a woman that had a double standard. This man has done great things and these allegations are disturbing," said Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan). "When the rest of the delegation had called for it, I'm just struggling."

Rep. Paul Mitchell (D-Michigan) believes Conyers should retire if the allegations are true. 

"These reports are troubling, and if they're accurate in my opinion the congressman should do the right thing and decide to retire," said Mitchell. 

Monday's rally will include dozens of political, religious and civil rights leaders at Hartford Memorial Baptist Church at 18700 James Couzens Freeway in Detroit.

Conyers still at hospital

Meanwhile, Conyers remains hospitalized. He was admitted last week. Reed said the congressman's health is better and he is considering his options. 

"But the congressman is very, very concerned about these allegations and is pondering what his next move will be, in terms of whether he will continue to serve, whether he will step aside," said Reed. 

Reed said on Monday that Rep. Conyers would announce a decision on his future on Tuesday at 10:15 a.m.

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About the Authors:

Nick joined the Local 4 team in February of 2015. Prior to that he spent 6 years in Sacramento covering a long list of big stories including wildfires and earthquakes. Raised in Sterling Heights, he is no stranger to the deep history and pride Detroit has to offer.