Nightlife

Bill Perkins and Charlie Rangel honored in Harlem

By MAL’AKIY 17 ALLAH Special to the AmNews

Last month on Saturday, Sept. 17, New York State Senator Mrs. Cordell Cleare sponsored a tribute to two trailblazing Harlem politicians during an outdoor block forum at Morningside Ave. and 114th St. Several notables paid homage to the distinguished legacies of Bill Perkins and Charlie Rangel, who’ve served their communities for many decades.

Sen. Robert Jackson remembered how Perkins chose to back Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential elections while most other local elected officials endorsed New York State Senator Hillary Clinton.

“He wasn’t looked upon favorably because he didn’t go along with the status quo, but Bill isn’t a status quo person,” Jackson noted, prior to reflecting on Rangel: “He’s the ambassador for Harlem. He’s a leader that has put his life on the line for our community. For so many years he served in the U.S. Congress representing us.”

Sen. Kevin Parker explained how Rangel inspired him to participate in politics, and that Perkins pushed for the Healthcare Act, as well as banning solitary confinement in prisons, “He was the first one leading that charge when they weren’t popular.” And how “he’s an intrepid voice, a vanguard” who “represented not only Harlem, but also other unheard voices.”

Assemblywoman Inez Dickens thanked the two progressive politicians “for their decades of contributions.” And thanked Perkins for “fighting and standing alone when it was an unpopular issue, but he knew it was the right thing, he stood up anyway and took a lot of flak for it.” She also noted that his wife, “Pam is his wings.”

Adding: “When the republicans said we’re going to do away with social security, [Rangel] stood up and said, ‘No you will not!’” She also mentioned the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Institute at Harlem’s City College, “which is in our community to educate our kids. God bless and thank you so much.”

Next up, Rangel abbreviated his stay and thanked his wife before saying, “I’m not leaving until I pay tribute to my old buddy, Bill Perkins. I am reminded that life is just a short run and what all of us can accomplish is what we’re here to do. Things have changed dramatically since I was elected in 1971, things have changed dramatically when I retired in 2017, but as the Sam Cooke song goes: ‘It takes a long, long time to turn things around.’”

He also mentioned “Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Lloyd Dickens, Hulan Jack, and so many others who’ve passed the baton that you’ve never have met. My wife and I sincerely thank y’all for all you’ve done.”

Pam Perkins praised “Charlie Rangel, the living legend,” prior to thanking “the voters for always having his back, and sending him back [to office],” and her husband’s staff, as Bill stood nearby; “Things don’t happen just because.”

Sen. Cleare expressed: “That’s what it’s all about, community. No matter what your ideology is, these are two legends who have served us,” as well as thanking several other attendees.

A gracious Yusef Salaam––as his mother, Sharon, stood beside him––from the Exonerated Central Park 5 case, recalled: “Bill Perkins came to our assistance from the very beginning, when it wasn’t popular. Because of the malicious actions the system had sought for us, my mother told us to refuse [to cooperate]. The beautiful way Bill Perkins rose to assist us to ensure we had a fair shot, and even after we went to prison he ensured we had the opportunity to succeed.”

Former Manhattan Borough President, C. Virginia Fields, added: “There was never a time that we called on Bill and he didn’t answer.”

Assemblyman Al Taylor, John Liu and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine were among the presenters.

(Mal’akiy 17 Allah photos)

Deontay ‘The Bronze Bomber’ Wilder is back

I wonder if this was his thinking process during the bout… “Hmmm, he’s looking a little light tonight at 214 pounds. I got him by about 30 pounds. Look at how he flew back when I pushed off. I’m way stronger and he knows it. He’s backing up steadily, he fears this power. Wow, he’s still throwing wild punches, missed me by a mile. I’m more elusive than he thinks. It’s my night. Gonna get in his head and goad him into throwing another wild punch. My hands are by my sides, he’s going to take the bait and give me the opportunity to attack. It’s working, he’s backing up NOW it’s time for me to…. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. WHAT HAPPENED?”

Not sure if this was how he thought, but it was how it looked for Robert “The Nordic Nightmare” Helenius as he fell victim to superstar and former longtime heavyweight champion Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder; who announced his return in grand fashion Saturday night, by blasting out Helenius in the first round of their WBC Heavyweight Title Eliminator which headlined a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View from Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

In his first fight since an epic trilogy with Tyson Fury, Wilder stepped into the ring for the first time in just over a year and quickly reminded the world why he’s one of the most feared punchers in boxing history.

“I set him up,” said Wilder. “I allowed him to reach and when he reached, I attacked. It was a great fight. It’s been a good camp for me. We worked to make this fun for me. We work at this so much that it can just become a job. We made it fun again. We put in over 700 rounds, and it paid off tonight big time.”

Headlining at Barclays Center for the fifth time in his career, Wilder added yet another devastating highlight to his resume at the arena in Brooklyn and credited the setting of the fight for adding inspiration leading to his triumph.

“It’s just amazing to be back in Brooklyn,” said Wilder. “It’s like a second home to me. It feels so good to be back. When I got off the plane, I felt the great energy and the love, and that’s all I needed.”

That was perhaps the most exciting fight of the weekend, but Saturday night boxing made news across the globe, literally. First, history was made in London at The O2 Arena as Claressa Shields became a three-time undisputed champion, the first person to achieve such a feat in either men’s or women’s boxing. Shields defeated Savannah Marshall (12-1, 10 KOs) via unanimous decision to unify all the belts at middleweight in an action-packed slugfest.

Shields (13-0, 2 KOs) earned the win with scores of 96-94 and 97-93 2x, cards that demonstrated her superiority inside the ring.

“I bit down in every round,” Shields said. “In every round, it felt like she would hit me with a big shot, and I would hit her with a big shot. If she hit me to the body, I’d punch her to the body. But I know that I did the most work today and that I was winning with my inside combinations.”

Lastly, in his second trip to the land Down Under, Devin Haney (29-0, 15 KOs) maintained his position at the top of the 135-pound division with a 12-round unanimous decision victory against George Kambosos (20-2, 10 KOs) at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia. “The Dream” retained the undisputed lightweight championship with scores of 119-109 and 118-110 2x.

“I should definitely be on the pound-for-pound rankings. In the first fight, they said that all I had was my jab. Today, I came in and showed them my right hand. I showed how versatile I am. I came to Australia not once, but twice. I beat this man twice in his hometown. I definitely deserve to be in the pound-for-pound rankings.

“He’s a warrior. I take my hat off to George Kambosos and all the Australian fans that came out. Thank you, guys, for giving me so much hospitality here. We take on all comers. No matter who it is, we want to fight the best fighters in the world. I believe I’m the best fighter in the world. Whoever is next, bring him on.”

Looks like 2023 will be the year of the return of REAL fights. Let’s go!

Holla next week. Til then, enjoy the nightlife.