by: Verona Forde
mediaverona@yahoo.com
The media was right; nobody came to Congressman Charlie Rangel's 80th Birthday
Gala. Everybody who is somebody was present at the Plaza Hotel on August 11
celebrating and honoring a distinguished public servant.
After Jackie Rowe-Adams sang God Bless America, Congressman Rangel spoke as he
looked pleasingly over a jam packed ballroom of family, friends and colleagues.
"This is wonderful," he cried out. He thanked and appreciated the support of
his wife and daughter. At the same time, he made it clear that "I ain't
thinking about giving it up."
Why should he? There were plenty of people to give strong accolades, thanks,
admiration and appreciation for the numerous years of public service and
dedication.
Mayor Micheal Bloomberg said that Congressman Rangel will be doing this for a
long time.
New York City Council Speaker, Christine Quinn, thanked hime for everyting he
has done for New York City and the LGBT. New York State Speaker, Shelly Silver
recited an axiom: When the going gets tough, the tough gets going. That's
Congressman Rangel. He improve the lives of many. Speaker Silver hoped to be
standing with Congressman at many more birthdays.
Governor Paterson thanked all of the Congressman's friends for coming out.
Mr. Rangel graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School. Then he enlisted in the
U.S. army and served in Korea. He returned to Harlem, attended New York
University and St.John's University. He worked for a law firm and was appointed
Attorney General in 1961. From there, he was elected to the New York State
Senate which led him to be out Congressman for 40 years. He had an impact on
Harlem. "Congressman Rangel put people first but tonight we put him first,"
said the Governor.
Rev. Al Sharpton claimed we showed up for the Congressman because he showed up
for us. He was the first along with Rev. Sharpton to get arrested in front of 1
Police Plaza regarding the Diallo shooting.
Some how that was forgotten and in recent weeks the media used allegations as a
political execution. Rev. Sharpton looked dead into the eye of the media
cameras lined up in the back of the room and said that tonight it is a political
resurrection.
Congressman Joe Crowley said that he could have been anywhere in the world but
he wouldn't miss it.
New York State Sentor, Kristen Gillibrand, mentioned that Congressman was there
fighting for health care for the 911 Responders. She thanked him for his
service to the state and the country. He made a difference to the families in
Harlem and New York State.
Andrew Cuomo was introduced by the Governor as The Closer and the next New York
Governor. Mr. Cuomo talked about how he watched the Congressman operate in
Washington, D.C. Mr. Rangel made sure $300 million went back to
Harlem. According to Mr. Cuomo, Congressman's voice is a powerful voice for the
Harlem community.
Limping to the stage because of an injury to the foot, Councilwoman Inez Dickens
looked at Congressman Rangel and said we are all here to stand with you and
beside you. There must be a preacher in Ms. Dickens because with conviction as
if she was prophesying, she said to the Congressman,"You will be going back to
Washington in January." Ms. Dickens led the call and response with the words -
We love you and you can return to Washington as long as you want.
New York Comptroller, John Liu, said this is the party of the century. He was
proud and blessed to be among the generation to follow in the Congressman's
footsteps.
Bill de Blasio, Public Advocate, reflected to 1994 when he was the campaign
manager for Congressman Rangel who beat Powell. Mr. Rangel fought for Haiti for
decades and brought in the Earn Income Tax Credit to level the playing field
which Rangel did quietly and never took credit.
Senior New York Senator, Chuck Schumer, mentioned that Rangel,never let us down
when delivering from Washington to New York. "He has always been there and we
are so grateful for that," humbly said Senator Schumer.
Senator Jose Serrano remembered being the first Puerto Rican to sit on the
Appropriate Committee. He said an adage in Spanish and translated in English to
mean - tell me who you walk with and I'll tell you who you are.
Congressman Jerry Nadler made the statement that if this was a court of law,
most of this won't hold up. When a great man is accused, there must be due
process and be give his fair day.
Dionne Warwick sang What the World Needs Now, Alfie and What Friends Are For
which the audience sang along. Danny Mixon Quartet played for the Congressman's
party.
Chuck Johnson, who is well known for his deep operatic voice, sang You'll Never
Walk Alone which is very fitting under the circumstances. But the Congressman
knows he is not alone. The place was a sea of friends and supporters such
as New York State Comptroller, Thomas DiNapoli, Harry Belefonte, Congressman
Meeks, Congressman Ed Towns, Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez, Queens Borough
President, Helen Marshall and running for Attorney General, Eric Schneiderman.
It is like the Congressman is standing on a box and the 13 allegations are like
a noose around his neck. An attendee described the current events as a media
lynching except no one has kick the box from under him yet. They are waiting
for him to step off the box. As Congressman Rangel said to the House of Reps
the day before his party, "I'm not going away."
