Rep. Charles B. Rangel recently introduced legislation calling for the Post Office located at 365 West 125th Street in Harlem to be renamed after activist, elected official and business leader Percy Sutton.

"Percy Sutton is an inspiration not only to the people of Harlem, but to the entire nation," Congressman Rangel stated. "He has dedicated his life to ensuring the civil and economic rights of others. His service as a Tuskegee Airman in World War II, a civil rights attorney, New York State Assemblyman, Manhattan Borough President and entrepreneur each demonstrate his commitment to ensuring that the economic and civil rights of all Americans are protected."

Sutton, a native of Texas born in 1920, came to New York in 1950 and attended Brooklyn Law School. Prior to moving to New York, he served in the U.S. Armed Forces and received several combat stars as a intelligence officer in World War II. He rose to become one of America's premier attorneys in the 1950's and 1960's, becoming a key cog in the Civil Rights Movement and representing many prominent African American figures, including Malcolm X.

Sutton continued fighting for local empowerment and economic development, first as a Manhattan Borough President (1966 -1977) and later as founder of Inner City Broadcasting Company. The company housed the first African American owned radio stations in New York City (WBLS and WLIB), as well as spurred the revitalization of local cultural landmarks like the Apollo Theater.

For Rangel, just as important has been Sutton's impact on the development of several generations of community leaders.

"Percy Sutton is a great American, a good friend and a mentor to hundreds of young leaders in my Congressional district," said Rangel. "The renaming of the Post Office on 125th St. is one of the many honors we can do to recognize Percy for giving so much to so many."

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Rep. Charles B. Rangel kicked off celebrations for Black History Month last week by introducing Congressional resolutions honoring the contributions of Constance Baker Motley Zora Neale Hurston, Arthur Schomburg and Madame C. J. Walker to this nation.

"We all stand on the shoulders heroes and trailblazers," said Congressman Rangel. "Their lives and achievements made this country a better place and paved the way for the successes of the present."

The bills are just one of several that Rangel has introduced since the start of the 110th Congress in support of African American historical figures. Current legislation sponsored by the Congressman include measures honoring the late music great James Brown (H.CON.RES.27), calls for a Adam Clayton Powell Jr commemorative stamp (H.CON.RES.26) and a Congressional Gold Medal named after former Congress woman Shirley Chisholm (H.R.622). Congressman Rangel has also re-introduced legislation that seeks a posthumous pardon for Marcus Garvey (H. Con. Res. 24), unjustly convicted of mail fraud in 1921.

"No person, no country, can possible hope to get far without knowing their past," said Congressman Rangel. "This is just one step towards ensuring that the contributions that African Americans have made throughout the course of this country's history are remembered far beyond 28 days in February."

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Rep. Charles B. Rangel proudly joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives as they unanimously passed a bill that would lay the groundwork for the creation of a national Latino Museum.

"Latino culture has been an important part of this land and this hemisphere for more than 500 years," said Congressman Rangel of the bill. "The passage of this bill is just one step towards correction a long-overdue omission, an institution that will hopefully serve to educate all Americans of the history and accomplishments of those of Latin American descent."

HR 512, also known as The Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of American Latino Heritage Act, would create a 23-member commission that would organize a national conference to examine the viability of the museum. The conference would also explore different fundraising strategies as part of a final recommended plan of action for Congress.

"We cannot possibly move forward as a nation if we don't respect our neighbors enough to know their own American journey," said Rangel. "This bill today is as much a testament to all those who worked hard to build this land, as it is a celebration of the multicultural reality that we need to embrace to compete in an increasingly global world.

HR 512 now moves onto the Senate, where an accompanying bill has been introduced by Senators Ken Salazar (CO), Mel Martinez (FL), Robert Menendez (NJ), and 20 other cosponsors.

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Rep. Charles B. Rangel urged New Yorkers to take full advantage the Earned Income Tax Credit, as he kicked off tax filing season Monday morning with IRS Commissioner Mark W. Everson, NYC Consumer Affairs Commissioner Jonathan Mintz and local City Council member Inez Dickens. The officials were on hand to greet and answer questions as nearly 100 people gathered for a tax education forum with local community groups at the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. State Office Building. "The Earned Income Tax Credit helps bring a sense of equity to the tax collection system," said Congressman Rangel. "If you work every day, you are entitled to dignity instead of having to apply for welfare. This credit helps people hold onto money they’ve earned through hard work and daily sacrifices."

Commissioner Everson agreed, saying that low income families deserved a boost as they reach for the American Dream.

"The Earned Income Tax Credit can transform people's lives,” said Commissioner Everson. “At the IRS, we want all eligible taxpayers to claim this benefit. My thanks go to Congressman Rangel, Mayor Bloomberg and the New York City volunteers for all their hard work and support of this program.” Created in 1975 with the help of Rep. Rangel, the EITC has proven to be one of the most effective programs for transitioning from welfare to work and lifting more than 5 million workers and families each year of poverty. While more than 22 million tax return filers received over $41 billion in EITC benefits, the IRS estimates that as many as 25 percent of eligible taxpayers nationwide fail to claim the credit.

Commissioner Mintz encouraged New Yorkers to utilize the city's 311 system to find out more information about their rights and benefits as taxpayers.

“Over the past five years, the Bloomberg Administration has led the country’s most comprehensive EITC campaign," said Commissioner Mintz. "Housed in Department of Consumer Affairs’ new Office of Financial Empowerment, the City’s EITC campaign is an integral part of Mayor Bloomberg’s expanded commitment to fighting poverty by helping families and individuals with low incomes move toward financial stability."

City Council Majority Whip and local representative Inez Dickens applauded the efforts across all levels of government to return money to those who need it the most.

"The average income in my council district is $15,000 which means that most of my families qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. But in Harlem, close to 50 percent of eligible families fail to claim it," said Dickens.

Congressman Rangel said that he looked forward to expanding outreach efforts by the IRS, community groups, and businesses, and to working with the IRS to reform the tax system for the benefit of all Americans.

"People politically don't want to touch the current system because there is a lot of pain in correcting the tax code. This Commissioner is in position of doing something about it and I am in a position to work with him and will," said Rangel. "Now, none of us are going to get any awards for reforming the system. But I look forward to working with him because if we work together -- if we touch this third rail together -- we could make a system that is more equitable and one that people would feel more comfortable complying with. That would be an historic accomplishment not just for the Harlems around the nation, but for every single American that earns a paycheck. The EITC benefits workers and their families in all areas of the country, including those living in rural America."

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