Charles Rangel, former Congressman from Harlem and the lone survivor of the “Gang of Four,” has passed away. He was 94.
Rangel was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. In 1974, he was elected to the House of Representatives after he defeated Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Rangel would serve in Congress for 46 years and in 2007, he became chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee.
The City College of New York released a statement about Rangel and his passing and called him a hero and history maker. “He served for 23 terms in the House of Representatives and was cited as the most effective lawmaker in Congress, leading all of his colleagues in passing legislation. He was the primary sponsor of President Obama’s historic health care reform law. Recognized as one of the hardest working legislators in Congress, he sponsored 40 bills and resolutions that became law throughout his tenure.”
The statement also acknowledged his accomplishments, including: standing behind the Affordable Care Act, Low Income Housing Tax Credit. Empowerment Zone Program, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Earned Income Tax Credit, and so much more.
Rangel was also a part of the aforementioned “Gang of Four,” along with David Dinkins, Percy Sutton, and Basil Paterson, the father of former Gov. David Paterson. “We lost one of the greats today. Charlie Rangel’s commitment to public service was legendary. I grew up listening to him, my father, Percy Sutton and David Dinkins establish plans and follow them through to completion to enrich Harlem and our great state,” Paterson said. “These were lessons from the fabled “Gang of Four” I took to heart and tried to adhere to throughout my own career in public service. Congressman Rangel’s family are in our thoughts and prayers today. We are all better for his service and I am better for having had his friendship.”
Other politicians and loved ones began to pour out their love and support for Rangel as well. Mayor Eric Adams said, “We lost a great hero that served in the Korean War, Congressman Charles Rangel, he was a true American and a true committer about what is great about this country.”
See what others had to say below.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of Charles Rangel.