Charles Rangel, Harlem Political Powerhouse, Dies at 94/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Former Rep. Charles Rangel of New York has died at 94. The Harlem Democrat served nearly five decades in Congress. He was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and chaired the House Ways and Means Committee.
Charles Rangel’s Legacy Remembered: A Harlem Giant’s Life and Career Quick Looks
- Political Trailblazer: Rangel unseated Adam Clayton Powell Jr. in 1970 and served 46 years in the House.
- Black Caucus Founding Member: He helped establish the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971.
- Veteran and Advocate: A decorated Korean War veteran, he championed tax reform and social justice.
- Powerful Committee Role: First African American to chair the House Ways and Means Committee.
- Ethics Controversy: Censured in 2010 over financial and fundraising misconduct but reelected afterward.
- Harlem Roots: One of the “Gang of Four” who reshaped NYC politics alongside David Dinkins and Percy Sutton.
- Memorable Voice: Known for his gravelly tone and biting humor, he was a fixture in Democratic politics.
Deep Look: Charles Rangel, Voice of Harlem and U.S. House Stalwart, Dies at 94
NEW YORK (AP) — Charles Rangel, a decorated war veteran, a barrier-breaking legislator, and a fierce advocate for Harlem and the underrepresented, died Monday at the age of 94. His family confirmed the news through City College of New York. He passed away at a New York hospital.
Rangel’s death marks the end of a remarkable era. Over nearly five decades in Congress, he transformed Harlem politics, gave voice to working-class Americans, and became one of the most recognizable figures in Washington, D.C.
From the Battlefield to the House Floor
A Korean War veteran, Rangel earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star before using the G.I. Bill to attend NYU and St. John’s Law School. His 1970 victory over the scandal-plagued Adam Clayton Powell Jr. launched him into the House of Representatives.
From there, Rangel would serve for 46 consecutive years, becoming a senior statesman, a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and eventually chair of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee — the first Black American to do so.
A Voice That Carried
Rangel’s gravel-toned voice became iconic in House chambers. He was unabashedly liberal and relentless in opposing the Iraq War, once calling it a “death tax” on the poor and minorities. His confrontations with Vice President Dick Cheney were famously sharp — suggesting the VP was “sick rather than mean and evil.”
Despite his fierce political stance, Rangel was also known for his wit, storytelling, and deep affection for public service. “I have always been committed to fighting for the little guy,” he said in a 2012 re-election bid.
Ethics and Controversy
His career was not without scandal. In 2010, Rangel was found guilty of 11 House ethics violations, including failure to pay taxes on a villa, misleading disclosure forms, and misusing congressional resources.
The House of Representatives censured him, the harshest penalty short of expulsion. Yet, Rangel remained defiant, ran for reelection — and won.
He called the ordeal difficult, but always measured life’s challenges against his near-death experience in Korea, often saying, “I haven’t had a bad day since.” That quote became the title of his autobiography.
The Gang of Four and Harlem’s Rise
Rangel was one of Harlem’s famed “Gang of Four”, alongside David Dinkins, Percy Sutton, and Basil Paterson — four Black men who carved out unprecedented political influence in New York.
He supported empowerment zones, tax credits, and economic incentives for low-income housing and minority-owned businesses. His leadership helped shift Harlem from symbolic cultural capital to a center of political power.
A Final Chapter
“He paved the way for generations of leaders. Harlem owes him more than can be measured.”
He is survived by his wife, Alma, and their children. Funeral arrangements are forthcoming.
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