Charles Rangel, Historic Harlem Congressman, Dies at 94

• Charles Rangel Dies at 94
• Represented Harlem for 50 Years
• Co-Founded Congressional Black Caucus

Charles Rangel, the emblematic Democratic congressman from New York, has died at age 94 in a New York City hospital, his family confirmed Monday.

A Korean War veteran and career politician, Rangel was first elected in 1970 and retired in 2017, leaving an indelible mark on American legislative history.

For nearly five decades, he served as the voice of Harlem in Congress, fiercely advocating for the interests of one of the most symbolic African American communities in the U.S.

“Charlie was an inspiration and embodied the most authentic form of public service leadership—steadfast in faith and loyalty to the American people, and an unparalleled giant,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat, who succeeded Rangel in office.

Charles Rangel: Harlem’s Legendary Voice

Charles Rangel was the last surviving member of the legendary «Gang of Four,» a coalition of influential Black leaders who shaped New York City politics.

His peers included David Dinkins, the city’s first Black mayor; Percy Sutton, former Manhattan Borough President; and Basil Paterson, former New York Secretary of State.

Together, they symbolized a new era of racial progress and political empowerment both locally and nationally.

Rangel also co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus, where he relentlessly defended the rights and interests of African American communities.

He went on to become chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, the first African American to hold the powerful position.

Throughout his career, Charles Rangel championed key laws and initiatives, including: Empowerment Zones Program; Low-Income Housing Tax Credit; and the Affordable Care Act under President Obama.

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His efforts shaped some of the most impactful social legislation of the last century.

However, in 2010, Rangel faced the most controversial chapter of his career when the House of Representatives censured him for 11 ethics violations.

Charges included: Failing to disclose income in financial reports, misusing official resources, and not paying taxes on a villa in the Dominican Republic.

Despite the scandal, Charles Rangel remained active in Congress until 2017. According to City College of New York, he helped pass over 40 laws and resolutions.

Former President Bill Clinton shared his condolences, calling Rangel “a tireless advocate for Harlem and a fighter for equality and opportunity for all.”

“Hillary and I are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend Charlie Rangel. From his heroism in the Korean War to nearly half a century in Congress and his later work promoting higher education in New York, he devoted his long life to public service,” Clinton said.

Though his career had its ups and downs, Charles Rangel’s legacy endures—in Harlem’s streets, in halls of Congress, and in the lasting reforms he helped enact.

He remains an irreplaceable figure in American political history.

SOURCE: EFE