Former Congressman Charles Rangel Dead at 94 After Five Decades in US House

Charles B. Rangel, a towering figure in American politics and Harlem royalty, died at age 94, leaving behind a legacy defined by resilience, service, and progressive leadership. A Korean War veteran awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, Rangel's military experience deeply influenced his lifelong dedication to fighting for marginalized communities. He co-founded the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971, amplifying the voices of African Americans in Congress, and became the first Black member and later chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, where he championed transformative policies such as empowerment zones and tax credits supporting low-income areas. Despite facing an ethics scandal and subsequent censure in 2010, Rangel remained a fiery, unapologetic advocate for his constituents until his retirement in 2017. His political career was marked by his sharp wit, willingness to confront powerful figures, and commitment to government as a force for change, earning him the nickname “The Lion of Lenox Avenue.” Rangel’s impact endures in the countless Black and Latino New Yorkers he inspired and the progressive policies he helped enact.