Harlem Community Remembers Congressman Charles Rangel: Legacy and Public Service

Public Viewing and Community Tribute

• 😔 Harlem residents gathered to pay their respects to the late former Congressman Charles Rangel, who died last month at age 94.
• ⛪ The first public viewing was held at St. Alawishas Church, a place Rangel had a personal connection to as a former altar boy.
• 💬 Community members remembered Rangel as a "man of the people" who was accessible and always willing to listen.

Rangel's Political Career and Achievements

• 🏛️ Rangel served the Harlem community for nearly five decades and was a noteworthy figure in the political arena.
• 🎖️ A decorated Korean War veteran, he was elected to Congress in 1970.
• 🌟 He made history as the first African-American to chair the powerful Ways and Means Committee and was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Later Career and Enduring Roots

• ⚠️ Rangel faced ethics violations late in his career, leading to his censure by Congress in 2010.
• 🗳️ Despite these challenges, his deep roots in Harlem never wavered, and he was reelected twice more before retiring in 2017.
• ✨ He is remembered for his kindness, graciousness, and for not letting his status separate him from the people he served.

Funeral and Memorial Services

• 🗓️ Additional public viewings were scheduled, with his body lying in state at City Hall on June 10th and 11th.
• ⛪ The funeral service was planned for Friday morning at St. Patrick's Cathedral, with limited public seating available.