Charles Rangel, Harlem Congressman & Civil Rights Champion, Passes Away at 94
Charles Rangel, the iconic Harlem Congressman and staunch civil rights advocate, has passed away at the age of 94. Representing Harlem for nearly five decades, Rangel's death was confirmed by his family via City College of New York.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
A Korean War veteran, Rangel began his political ascent by unseating Adam Clayton Powell Jr. in 1970.
Key Achievements and Legacy
Rangel’s career was marked by significant achievements. He was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and, in 2007, became the first African American to chair the House Ways and Means Committee. Despite facing censure in 2010, he remained a prominent figure until his retirement in 2017.
Influence and Impact
Rangel was also the last surviving member of New York’s “Gang of Four,” a group of influential Black leaders. He was praised by figures like Hakeem Jeffries, Hillary Clinton, and Bill Clinton for his unwavering advocacy for Harlem, low-income communities, and his work on initiatives such as the “Rangel Amendment” against apartheid-era South Africa.
