Charles B. Rangel, the esteemed congressman who represented Harlem for nearly five decades, dies on May 26 at the age of 94 . His tenure in Congress spanned an impressive 46 years, during which he became a pivotal figure in American politics, particularly as a liberal Democrat advocating for social justice and economic development. Rangel's leadership as the first African American chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee underscored his significant influence over fiscal policies that affected marginalized communities.
Charles B. Rangel, the former dean of New York’s congressional delegation, who became the first Black chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, only to relinquish that position when he was censured for an ethics violation, died on Monday in Manhattan. He was 94.
the death was announced by his family. His friend Lloyd Williams, the president of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, said he died in Harlem Hospital, on 135th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard.
“Charlie was born on 132nd Street between Lenox and Fifth, and when he became successful he moved to 135th Street between Lenox and Fifth,” Mr. Williams said. “He used to joke about moving up — three blocks.”
A Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient, Rangel served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He would always say that he measured his days, even the troubled ones, against the time in 1950 when he survived being wounded as other soldiers didn’t make it. It became the title of his autobiography: "And I Haven’t Had A Bad Day Since."
Congressman Adriano Espaillat, who was NY-13's representative after Rangel retired in 2017, said in a statement posted to social media, "Charlie was an inspiration and embodied the truest form of leadership in public service, steadied in his faith and faithfulness in the American people, and a giant unmatched in his leadership, compassion, and commitment to upholding the values of our nation. I will miss him dearly."
Rangel's legacy is marked not only by his legislative accomplishments but also by his role as a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, which aimed to address issues pertinent to African Americans . A Korean War veteran, he was known for his commitment to public service and dedication to improving conditions in inner-city neighborhoods. Despite facing censure later in life due to ethical controversies, Rangel remained a steadfast advocate for his constituents until his retirement .
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