Former U.S. Congress member Charles Rangel has died at age 94.
Photograph by way of Reuters
Charles Rangel, a former U.S. Congress Member from Harlem and a large in New York Metropolis politics, died on Memorial Day on the age of 94.
Born in Harlem, Rangel, a Democrat, was the second-longest serving incumbent member of the Home of Representatives, serving from 1971 to 2017.
Rangel’s household launched an announcement paying tribute to him as a “towering figure” in American politics and a champion for justice. The reason for his loss of life has not but been disclosed.
Born on June 11, 1930, Rangel rose from humble beginnings to an outspoken drive in each native and nationwide politics. Recognized for his raspy voice, he was a part of the legendary Gang of 4, a quartet of Harlem political heavyweights that included Mayor David Dinkins, state Sen. and New York Secretary of State Basil Paterson and Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton — all of whom preceded Rangel in loss of life.
After serving within the Korean Conflict, he earned a regulation diploma earlier than kicking off his political profession. He labored as an assistant U.S. lawyer and served within the NYS Meeting earlier than being elected to his most influential function as a member of the U.S. Home of Representatives.
The article states that per his autobiography, Rangel claimed to by no means have had a nasty day since he survived an assault by the Chinese language and North Korean armies when he served within the Korean Conflict.
“But it doesn’t mean I haven’t had some heartbreaking experiences,” he mentioned.
Rangel with Hillary Clinton.Photograph by way of Reuters
Rangel was a embellished veteran who acquired a Purple Coronary heart and Bronze Star for his army service.
His spouse, Alma Carter, died final yr.
Throughout his tenure, Rangel used his affect within the Home of Representatives to assist safe key enhancements for Harlem, specifically financial reinvestment in the neighborhood via elevated Medicaid funding, low-income housing and transit tasks. He additionally fought Reagan administration cuts to funding anti-drug packages.
Rangel’s long-time file was marred in 2008 by allegations that he had violated Home Ethics guidelines and probably evaded taxes by failing to reveal rental revenue for a villa he owned within the Dominican Republic, and should have improperly rented a number of rent-stabilized flats in New York. The scandal led to his resignation as Methods and Means chair and censure on the ground of the Home in December 2010.
New York elected officers shared their condolences after Rangel’s loss of life.
Home Democratic Chief Hakeem Jeffries of Brooklyn mentioned that Harlem, NYC and America are “better today” due to Rangel’s service.
“Rep. Charlie Rangel was a phenomenal patriot, hero, statesman, leader, trailblazer, change agent and champion for justice,” Jeffries wrote. “The Lion of Lenox Ave. was a transformation force of nature.”
Chair of the NYS Democratic Committee Jay Jacobs mentioned the Congress member leaves behind a long-lasting legacy.
“From a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the first African American to chair the influential House Ways and Means Committee, Rangel broke barriers while shaping policy on tax reform, economic development, and civil rights,” he mentioned. “As a decorated war veteran, today is a celebration of his life in public service and his impact on all of us as New Yorkers and as Americans. I am proud to have called him a role model and a friend.”
Born in Harlem, Rangel was a powerful Democratic voice and influential lawmaker.Photograph by way of Reuters
Former Gov. and NYC mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo mentioned Rangel was a mentor and good friend to him.
“He taught me that leadership is about lifting others up and in the face of injustice, you don’t flinch, you don’t fold—you fight,” Cuomo mentioned. “He had that Harlem fire in his heart and a joy in his soul that no battle could extinguish. He never forgot where he came from, and he never stopped fighting to make this country live up to its promise.”
In the meantime, Mayor Eric Adams described Rangel as one in all NYC’s “greatest” elected leaders.
“I am so sad to lose a dear friend and exemplary model of devotion and courage,” the mayor mentioned. “My prayers are with his family, Harlem, and all who knew him.”
