I must admit visiting the Congressman's office was a very rewarding experience, regardless of my confusion and dislike for politics. In Washington DC, members of HarlemLive got the chance to visit Congressman Rangel's office, although he wasn't present at the time, his representative welcomed us and gave us a tour of the office.

While in DC, we learn how intense politics can be. The people involved were constantly attending meeting after meeting. The Congressman's office was very unique; he had African and Oriental sculptures with many pictures of current and past Presidents on the wall of his office.

Indeed this was one of the most delightful things about the DC experience, meeting people and sharing information. We were enlighten and exposed to a different experience that we might not have had a chance to experience otherwise.

- Kerly Suffren

On April 15, 1999 Michael, Laura, Kerly, and I along with our advisors Ms. Elaine Johnson and Ms. Pat Kelly went to Washington D.C to accept an Smithsonian Computerworld award. Thereafter we had an appointment with Congressman Charles Rangel.

Mr. Rangel, saw our site online (Harlemlive @ www.harlemlive.org) and e-mailed us an invitation to visit his congressional office, so we could can tell him more about the Harlemlive experience and he could tell us more about himself .

We entered the huge Rayburn building where the senior ranking Congressmen have their offices. Our Congressman representing Harlem, Charles Rangel's office was very large, with many pictures. He had pictures with the President of The United States, Air Force One and many of important people.

Congressmen Rangel was not there, but his press secretary, Mr. Elle Milne, talked to us about his work. After he told us about all the work Mr. Rangel is doing for our community, I think he is a very good person.

I learned that Congressman Rangel is a smart person who thinks of the young people in Harlem. We told his press secretary how Harlemlive is an online internet publication run by the youth of Harlem and how kids in the Harlem community can write stories and take pictures of events in Harlem. Mr. Milne was amazed with the things we told him.

- Shem Rajoon

The trip was very interesting and fun. We learned a lot about Congressman Charles Rangel and what he does for for Harlem and now he knows what HarlemLive does for the Harlem community.

One of the many exciting places we visited in Washington DC was the Capital Dome and the office of Congressman Charles Rangel. Although he was not there because he was very busy working for the "people," his press secretary, Mr. Milne, showed us around and told us about how he had discovered our website. One of the Congressman's interns discovered us on the internet and told Mr. Rangel about Harlem youth running a journalist cyberspace magazine.

Mr. Rangel's office was interesting. The first thing I saw was a huge boat that was held in a glass case. It was well decorated, as was the room. Pictures of the Congressman and the President hung on the wall. A huge desk had an Macintosh computer on it and a name plate that read, "Rangel." I had never been to a Congressman's office before. I felt so honored to be there. From my experenince in Washington D.C, I think everyone should go there and check it out.

- Laura Cespedes

On our visit to the nation's capital not only did we accept The Smithsonian Computerworld award but we had an unique opportunity to take a trip to see our Congressman Charles Rangel's office.

Unfortunately, we were unable to meet him because he was out of town but we were acquainted by his press secretary, Mr. Milne. He gave us a tour of the entire office. During our stay we discussed what progress Harlemlive has made and our plans for the future. We talked about having the Congressman visit the Harlemlive Headquarters and experience what we do, first hand.

This was a very special experience for me because this was my first time visiting my nation's capitol. Getting invited to Congressman Rangel's office really made me feel like I was part of this nation. It was enjoyable, educational and exciting.

- Michael Flowers