Charles Rangel, a towering determine in American politics and longtime Democratic consultant from Harlem, handed away Monday on the age of 94. His household confirmed his demise, which occurred at a New York hospital.
A Korean Battle veteran and Purple Coronary heart recipient, Rangel launched his congressional profession in 1970 by unseating Adam Clayton Powell Jr. He went on to serve 46 years within the U.S. Home of Representatives, changing into a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and, in 2007, the primary African American to chair the highly effective Home Methods and Means Committee.
Identified for his gravelly voice, sharp wit, and fierce advocacy, Rangel was a vocal opponent of the Iraq Battle and a champion for social and financial justice. He was additionally one among New York’s influential “Gang of 4,” alongside David Dinkins, Percy Sutton, and Basil Paterson.
Regardless of a celebrated profession, Rangel’s tenure was marred by an ethics scandal in 2010, which led to his censure by the Home for a number of violations, together with failure to pay taxes and misuse of congressional sources. Nonetheless, he remained well-liked amongst his constituents and served till his retirement in 2017.
A highschool dropout turned lawyer and legislator, Rangel typically credited his survival within the Korean Battle with shaping his perspective. He titled his memoir “And I Haven’t Had a Unhealthy Day Since.”
