Charles Rangel, the former American congressman in New York City and the last surviving member of the “Four Gang,” died. He was 94 years old.
Born in Harlem on June 11, 1930, Rangel was a democratic member of the House of Representatives for 46 years after not seeing the legendary Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
He was a veteran of the Korean War, dean of the Delegation of the New York Congress and founding member of the Black Caucus of Congress.
“An imposing figure in American politics and a champion of justice, equity and opportunity, Congressman Rangel dedicated about four decades of his life to the public service,” said the Rangel family in a statement announcing his death on Monday. “Through his career, Congressman Rangel fought tirelessly for affordable homes, urban revitalization, fair fiscal policies and equal opportunities for all Americans.”
Rangel was previously deceased by his wife, Alma. His son survives, Steven Rangel, his daughter Alicia Rangel Haughton, three grandchildren, Howard R. Haughton, Joshua R. Haughton and Charles R. Haughton, said the family.
The family said there will be private services followed by a public celebration of life. The dates have not yet been established.
The last of the “Four Gang” of Harlem
Rangel, affectionately called “The lion of Lenox Avenue”, was the last of the “Gang of Four” coalition of Harlem with Basilio Paterson, Percy Sutton, Herman “Denny” Farrell and former mayor David Dinkins. They were known as the first to break the barriers of race and class, for the routes for others to follow.
Rangel served the 13th District of the New York Congress for 23 periods, where he sponsored 40 bills and resolutions that became law through his mandate.
He then became the first black president of the influential committee of forms and media, and was a leader in the creation of the Development Corporation of the Empowerment Zone of High Manhattan who helped change Harlem’s economic face.
“There are many who will try to imitate, but the great Charlie Rangel will never be replicated,” said the leader of the representatives minority, Hakeem Jeffries, in a statement. “Whether in the United States Army, the Federal Court Chamber, the halls of the Congress or the streets of Harlem, Congressman Rangel directed a public service life that is insurmountable. The prayers of a grateful nation are Leaper. Mare Leafer” Mare Leaf Forets Whalling Iconic.
Before his election to Congress in 1970, Rangel obtained a purple heart and a bronze star for taking a group of soldiers from a deadly Chinese army in which the battle of Konu-ri comes.
In 2008, Rangel faced a series of ethics violations claiming that he did not comply with fiscal laws. The critics put their “Monument to me” In the Rangel Center of City College in the heart of the case. Rangel was accused of using public resources and letterheads of Congress to seek donations for the center, platform of companies with businesses before the Fiscal Committee. He also faced charges of not disseminating income and current accounts, and using incorrect apartments for rent for your campaign committee.
The Chamber’s Ethics Committee condemned Rangel of 11 positions to violate the rules of the Chamber and the entire Congress voted to censor him in 2010. Even so, Harlem’s people re -elected him to two more periods.
When asked how he would like to be remembered, Rangel One said: “If I have gone, frankly, I don’t care.”
“Bright, bold, fun, intrepid, all at once,” says Schumer
Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered state flags to fly in the middle of the staff on Mondays and Tuesdays to honor Rangel. They will also be reduced on the day of their funeral.
“Charlie was a powerful voice in government and politics, and we remember today leading his life as a public servant of this great state, but also for his service dedicated to our military in the Korean War War,” Hochul said in a Split. “A fierce defender of equal opportunities and a voice for Harlem, the legacy of the Rangel representative shows us what we can achieve as certain legislators. My thoughts are with all those who loved him.”
The senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, remembered Rangel as “a great man, a great friend and someone who never stopped fighting for his voters in Harlem.”
“It was bright, bold, fun, brave, all at the same time,” said Schumer. “The list of his achievements could fill out pages, but one thing is sure. He left the world much better place than when he entered it.”
“Charlie’s live experiences made him the man who was,” said Congresswoman Yvette Clarke. “There is a saying: when they made Charlie, they broke the mold.”
Congressman Adriano Espaillat, who became the representative of NY-13 after Rangel retired in 2017, said in a statement published on social networks: “Charlie was an inspiration and embodied the most true way of leadership in the public service, constant in the United States and the loyalty in leadership, compassion, compassion and commitment to adhere the values of our nation.”