President Barack Obama will headline a $30,800-a-person fundraiser in Harlem on March 29 for the Democratic National Committee.
Politico reported Tuesday that Obama will host the fundraiser ahead of an invitation-only “thank you reception” for supporters later that night.
The New York Daily News reported Wednesday that at least one Harlem Democrat was bothered by the fundraiser.
“It doesn’t seem like it’s going to be a Harlem event,” Harlem fundraiser Darren Rigger told the Daily News.
“At $30,000 a plate, it seems like you’re going to see them ship in a lot of Wall Street/CEO/hedge fund types to come visit Harlem like they’re visiting a tourist attraction,” Rigger said. “The Harlem aspect of it is more symbolic than it is genuine.”
It is unclear whether Harlem Democratic Rep. Charlie Rangel has been invited to the fundraiser.
The Daily News reported that Obama’s actions to ensure that former New York Gov. David Paterson, an African American, did not run for re-election and his treatment of Rangel frustrated Harlem residents.
In August, Obama encouraged Rangel, who was the subject of an ethics probe, to “end his career with dignity.” Rangel responded that Obama hadn’t “been around long enough to determine what my dignity is.”