Former New York Representative Charles Rangel, founding member of the Black Caucus of Congress that spent more than four decades in the Chamber, died on Monday, according to his family. He was 94 years old.
Rangel, a Democrat, served in the Chamber from 1971 to 2017, spending part of his mandate as president of the House Media and Media Committee.
“An imposing figure in American politics and a champion of justice, equity and opportunity, Congressman Rangel dedicated more than four decades of his life to the public service,” said his family in a statement about his death.
The representative Charles Rangel is at the hearing during the presentation ceremony of the Gold Medal of the Congress in the Emancipation Hall of the Capitol Visitors Center, June 27, 2012, in Capitol Hill.
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While in Congress, Rangel, often known as the “lion of Lenox Avenue” for its Harlem district, achieved many notable novelties during its 46 years in Congress: he was a founding member of the Black Caucus of Congress in 1971 and became the first black president of the Ways and Meals Committee in 2007.
He resigned to lead the committee of forms and media in the middle of an ethics scandal for violating the rules of the house. Rangel was accused of 13 positions to violate those rules, but emphatically denied any irregularity. Finally, it was discovered that Rangel had raped 11 separate rules from the camera and was censored, a public shame in the camera’s well.
That vote made him the 23rd chamber member to be censored, and the first in almost 30 years.
Representative Charles Rangel speaks during an audience before the House and Media Committee, June 4, 2013, in Capitol Hill.
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Even so, after being wrapped in the scandal, Rangel was re -elected and went on to meet two more periods in Congress, and was still widely respected. While he was censored, he talked about being injured in the Korean war, so he received a purple heart and a bronze star, and not having another bad day since then.
After leaving Congress, Rangel served as a residence statesman at the City College of New York, Your website said.
“Rangel was a war hero, history of history and legislator teacher,” the university wrote on its website, and then added that it was “recognized as one of the most workers in Congress.”
His family added that his legacy lives through the Charles B. Rangel center for the public service of the school, “which continues to inspire and train new generations of public servants.”
‘Nature transformation force’
After the news of his death, the taxes arrived from those who worked with the former congressman and those who valued the work he did.
The black Caucus of Congress cried the death of one of its “pioneer” founders, calling it “the very definition of a life dedicated to public service.”
“His legacy is a tireless defense, first historical and unwavering dedication to justice and equality. That rests in eternal power and peace,” said the president of the Black Caucus of the Congress, Yvette Clarke, in a statement.
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and representative Charles Rangel listen to the governor of Pennsylvania, Ed Rendell, before a manufacturing forum, on April 27, 2004, in Capitol Hill.
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Leader of the Chamber of Representatives and Companion New Yorker Hakeem Jeffries honored Rangel on Monday morning, recognizing his service in the Army and Congress in a Publish in x.
“Representative Charlie Rangel was a phenomenal patriot, hero, statesman, leader, pioneer, change agent & Champion for Justice. The Lenox Ave lion was a transforming force of nature. Harlem, NYC & America is better today due to your service. That forever would rest in power, “Jeffries published in X.
Chuck Schumer Senate Minority Leader Posted in x On Monday, that Rangel “was a great man, a great friend and someone who never stopped fighting for his voters and the best of the United States.”
“The list of his achievements could take pages, but he leaves the world a much better place than he found,” said Schumer.
Representative Nancy Pelosi, the former House Speaker, described Rangel “a shocking legislator and a lifelong voice for the voiceless and champion of the oppressed.”
“Throughout his decades of public service, President Rangel was a qualified and implacable defender of justice, equality and the people of Harlem,” Peeli said in a statement. “That it is a comfort for their beloved Soul wife, their beloved children Steven and Alicia and the entire Rangel family that so many cry their loss and are praying for them at this sad moment.”
