"Sometimes no words seem adequate when a tragedy like what happened in our parish in Newcastle today occurs. My thoughts and prayers are with the family tonight who have suffered a terrible loss in this awful tragedy."
Mayor Eric Adams expressed his sentiments, stating, 'I am honored to host the family of Congressman Rangel as he lies in state here at City Hall, but I am also deeply saddened to say goodbye to a dear friend and an exemplary model of devotion and courage.'
"Merrit and his organization are amazing," Cotton's sister, Tawana Smith-Tention, who delivered the eulogy at the service, told The Post on Sunday. "They reached out to us right away and asked us what we needed. They are a godsend. You can tell that they really care."
"She left her fingerprints on countless lives," Sharpton told a crowd packed into Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. "Harlem holds you in our heart."
"We have been in pain for the last 11 days, but they will always remain in our memories and remind us from up high to never lose our ability to smile," said Joan Camprubí. "The Pope believed in the transformative power of a 'smile and a sense of humor.'"
