Final Farewell: Mourners Pay Tribute to Charles Rangel in Harlem

NEW YORK — Today, dignitaries, relatives, and members of the public will gather to honor U.S. Representative Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., a pivotal architect of the Congressional Black Caucus, during his funeral at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City.Viewers can access a livestream of the ceremony on the Black News & Views website.On Thursday, Rangel was honored as he lay in state at New York City Hall, a privilege typically reserved for a distinguished few, including former presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant.The legendary Harlem Democrat, who passed away at the age of 94 on May 26 after serving nearly fifty years in Congress, was a significant member of the House and held the chairmanship of one of its foremost committees.Mourners flocked to City Hall on Thursday morning, where Rangel's casket, adorned with an American flag, was respectfully guarded by uniformed police. Reflective memories from those close to Rangel illustrate his profound influence and deep-rooted connections to the community he dedicated his life to serving.