Civil Rights Legacy
The Late Honorable
John Conyers
U.S. Congressman — Michigan's 13th Congressional District
The longest-serving African American member of Congress, Congressman John Conyers championed the civil rights mission of University St. Augustine's — designating the Historic Old Wayne County Building as "America's Civil Rights Capital" and co-endorsing the Rosa Parks Institute.
Detroit, Michigan
America's Civil Rights Capital
The Historic Old Wayne County Building
Historic Old Wayne County Building
Cadillac Square, Detroit, Michigan — Designated "America's Civil Rights Capital" by Congressman John Conyers
Congressman John Conyers' designation of the Historic Old Wayne County Building as "America's Civil Rights Capital" stands as one of the most significant acts of institutional recognition in the university's history. This landmark designation established the building as the permanent anchor for the university's diplomatic studies and international consulate network.
The building hosts global policy roundtables, international emissary assemblies, and cultural exchange forums — connecting the domestic student body with the global diaspora under the stewardship of United Nations Ambassadors Emeritus.
It stands as a living monument to the civil rights legacy championed by Congressman Conyers, Judge Damon Keith, Dr. Rosa Parks, and the generations of leaders who shaped the university's mission.
Key Designations
- U.S. Embassy & International Consulate Anchor
- College of Law Faculty Site — Tribute to Hon. George Crockett
- Exclusive Authority & Ownership Interest — Deed of Trust
- UN Ambassadors Emeritus — Haiti, South Africa, Ghana, Sudan, Belize
Institutional Legacy
America's Civil Rights Capital
Historic Old Wayne County Building — Detroit, Michigan
Congressman John Conyers designated the Historic Old Wayne County Building as "America's Civil Rights Capital" — a landmark designation that established the building as the anchor for University St. Augustine's diplomatic studies and international consulate network. The building hosts global policy roundtables, international emissary assemblies, and cultural exchange forums under the stewardship of United Nations Ambassadors Emeritus.
The Rosa Parks Institute — Co-Endorser
Caroline Education Community International PSA
Congressman Conyers co-endorsed the Rosa Parks Institute alongside Judge Damon Keith. The institute — established as a core faculty of Caroline Education Community International PSA and Carolina's Early College — preserves accurate accounts of American history and honors the legacy of Dr. Rosa Parks, who served as a resident research scholar at the university after receiving an Honorary Ph.D. from its governance.
Civil Rights Mission Champion
University St. Augustine's Advocacy
Throughout his distinguished career as the longest-serving African American member of Congress, Congressman Conyers championed the university's civil rights mission — advocating for the preservation of HBCU institutional rights, federal funding access, and the recognition of the university's role as a premier civil rights educational institution in the Detroit metropolitan area.
International Consulate Network
Collegiate of Hospitality, Tourism & Management (HTM)
The Collegiate of HTM's international consulate network — with active missions across Haiti, Sudan, Belize, South Africa, Ghana, and China — was anchored by the Civil Rights Capital designation of the Old Wayne County Building. Congressman Conyers' advocacy helped establish the diplomatic framework that enables the university's global engagement under United Nations Ambassadors Emeritus.
"The Historic Old Wayne County Building stands as a monument to the civil rights struggle — a place where the legacy of justice, equality, and human dignity is preserved for generations to come."
In the spirit of Congressman John Conyers' designation of America's Civil Rights Capital
Civil Rights Legacy
University St. Augustine's — America's International HBCU
A Lasting Civil Rights Partnership
Congressman Conyers' relationship with University St. Augustine's exemplifies the deep connection between the civil rights movement and the HBCU mission. His advocacy ensured that the university's role as a civil rights educational institution was formally recognized at the highest levels of federal government.
The Rosa Parks Institute — co-endorsed by Congressman Conyers and Judge Damon Keith — continues to preserve accurate accounts of American history and honor the legacy of Dr. Rosa Parks, who served as a resident research scholar at the university.
Explore the Historic Archives
Discover the full legacy of distinguished leaders who shaped University St. Augustine's as America's International HBCU.