Conyers Honors Johnnie Cochran

Washington, DC - Congressman John Conyers offered words of honor for his friend, attorney Johnnie Cochran, who passed away Tuesday at the age of 67. Conyers issued the following statement:

"The loss of Johnnie Cochran is a tragedy for all who are committed to the ongoing struggle for justice. Johnnie, whom I'm proud to have called a friend, was much more than a powerful attorney. Above all the high-profile cases and celebrity clientele, he was a brilliant and impressive fighter for the people.

Though most of the world will remember Johnnie for his lively courtroom style and his persuasive one-liners, his most lasting legacy will be his commitment to justice - not only in the courtroom, but in his community as well. He drew on his success and prominence he earned as an attorney to bring to light the wrongs he saw in society, exposing the oft-ignored cases of police brutality and vigorously fighting racism whenever he encountered it.

Johnnie's story should be an inspiration to every child who has big dreams of changing the world. The great-grandson of a slave, he was a self-made man who became one of the most impressive and brilliant attorneys in the country. We will all miss him dearly."

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