The politics of the area was dominated for many years by [[Vito Marcantonio]], a fellow traveler of the far left. Black political consciousness surged after a small riot in 1943. In 1944 [[Adam Clayton Powell]] (1908-72) was elected to Congress, serving 1944-70. Powell was only the second black elected in the 20th century. He was a charismatic Black Baptist preacher and a leading liberal. His multiple scandals and prolonged absenteeism finally ruined his career. Powell was defeated in the Democratic primary in 1970 by [[Charles Rangel]], a decorated Army hero who is just as liberal as Powell but not quite as corrupt. Rangel now chairs the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which writes the tax laws. Rangel's Harlem is now only 28% black, as many Hispanics have moved in. The district votes 90% for Democrats in Presidential elections. | The politics of the area was dominated for many years by [[Vito Marcantonio]], a fellow traveler of the far left. Black political consciousness surged after a small riot in 1943. In 1944 [[Adam Clayton Powell]] (1908-72) was elected to Congress, serving 1944-70. Powell was only the second black elected in the 20th century. He was a charismatic Black Baptist preacher and a leading liberal. His multiple scandals and prolonged absenteeism finally ruined his career. Powell was defeated in the Democratic primary in 1970 by [[Charles Rangel]], a decorated Army hero who is just as liberal as Powell but not quite as corrupt. Rangel now chairs the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, which writes the tax laws. Rangel's Harlem is now only 28% black, as many Hispanics have moved in. The district votes 90% for Democrats in Presidential elections. |