Nathan Conyers |
At that time, I was attending Wayne Law and was hired by Damon to be his first law clerk. He promised to pay me $35 per week. I accepted immediately. However, as time went on, I discovered that I was not being paid every week. I calculate that he still owes me $650!
In 1964, Damon decided to establish his own law firm which ultimately became Keith, Conyers,
Anderson, Brown and Wahls. Under Damon’s direction, we sent lawyers across the country to represent people arrested for their civil rights activity. In Philadelphia, Damon sent me to represent over 500 people who had been arrested and jailed for participating in demonstrations. Upon arriving, I was sent to a black family’s safehouse — a place where outside lawyers and activists could stay to help the protesters. Two days later, a white attorney named Dean Robb joined me to integrate the safehouse for the first time.
Judge Damon Keith & John Conyers |
Damon’s fight against racism as an attorney was the precursor to his legacy on the federal bench, which began 50 years ago this month. The rest is history.
Congratulations, Judge Damon J. Keith, my friend, on a lifetime of fighting for equality for all people.
Nate Conyers
Former law partner
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