From Adam Clayton Powell Jr. to Charles Rangel: the past and future of Harlem’s political leadership

This afternoon a House ethics panel will lay out the charges against Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.), who, at 80 years old, is one of the longest-serving members of Congress. Rep. Rangel has represented Harlem since 1970, when he ousted the legendary Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Both men had long, storied careers representing what may be the country’s most famous African-American neighborhood, home to Malcolm X, Marcus Garvey, Langston Hughes, and many others. But a lot has changed in Harlem since Powell, Jr. was elected in 1945. We look back at the history of Harlem politics and the power of the “Gang of Four.”

Joining us to talk about both the history and the future of Harlem’s political leadership is Chris Smith, a reporter for New York magazine who recently published an article called, ?Knocking on Harlem’s Door.? We also speak with Luther Smith, a Harlem resident and political analyst.