Is America ready to tackle its history of slavery and possible reparations for Black people? The longest serving member of Congress believes it's time for constructive dialogue and action. 

"I'm not giving up," said Rep. John Conyers (D-Mich.) who hosted a Capitol Hill briefing recently that drew activists, legal experts, scholars, politicos and community leaders from across the country. "Slavery is a blemish on this nation's history, and until it is formally addressed, our country's story will remain marked by this blight." 

Since 1989, Conyers'—a lawyer and ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee—has repeatedly introduced—HR. 40—a bill that would establish a commission to examine the institution of slavery in the U.S. and its early colonies, and recommend appropriate remedies.