Charles Rangel, the longtime New York congressman and trailblazer for Harlem, passed away Monday at the age of 94, according to The City College of New York. A founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the last surviving member of Harlem’s influential “Gang of Four,” Rangel served nearly five decades in office.
Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1971 after defeating Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Rangel went on to serve 46 years in Congress. Over his career, he became one of the most respected lawmakers on Capitol Hill, making history in 2007 as the first Black chair of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. A decorated Korean War veteran, Rangel earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his military service before dedicating his life to public office.
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Reverend Al Sharpton called him “a true Harlem Giant… and an unshakable force in American politics.” In a statement made Monday, The Congressional Black Caucus said his legacy is, “one of tireless advocacy, historic firsts, and dedication to justice and equality.”
We couldn’t agree more. Rest in power.
Cover photo: Charles B. Rangel, Longtime Harlem Congressman, Has Joined the Ancestors / Photo Credit: Getty Images / Tom Williams