On Monday, May 26, Congressman Charles B. Rangel died in Harlem, New York, just 15 days before his 95th birthday on June 11.
It was perhaps fitting that Rangel took his last breath on Memorial Day, as he was a veteran who served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where, having been wounded, he received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with Valor.
Rangel’s service to the nation exceeds his veteran status. He rose to congressional ranks in 1970, after defeating former Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, and dedicated 46 years to the 13th, 15th, 16th, 18th, and 19th congressional districts of New York City until his retirement in 2017.
His legislative achievements include footing the bill for 40 acts that became law, such as: the national Empowerment Zone program, Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, Low Income Housing Tax Credit and Work Opportunity Tax Credit, Affordable Care Act, as well as the “Rangel Amendment,” which was instrumental in dismantling apartheid in South Africa, among others.
The last serving member of the so-called “Gang of Four” coalition, revered as the first to destruct race and class barriers in Harlem, Rangel went on to become the House Committee on Ways and Means chair, and later, a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).
Even amid scandal and censure, Rangel’s political resilience shone through. In 2010, after an ethics investigation into financial misconduct, the House censured him and he lost his chairmanship. Yet, undeterred, Rangel remained in office and was reelected.
His life exemplifies resilience, courage, and dedication to public service. Furthermore, his journey emphasizes the power of perseverance and commitment, from leading fellow soldiers to safety during the Korean War to transforming from a high school dropout into a 46-year congressional veteran.
Moreover, his steadfast commitment to social justice, including crucial roles in anti-apartheid legislation and urban development initiatives, will continue to motivate future generations to serve with integrity and purpose.
“The older I get, the more I think of how I can make my case with St. Peter in order to get into Heaven with some decent accommodations,” Rangel wrote in his autobiography, “And I Haven’t Had a Bad Day Since: From the Streets of Harlem to the Halls of Congress.”
In a divided era for the nation, and amid attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion, it’s important to use Rangel’s life legacy as a source of inspiration to continue working toward progress.
“If St. Peter’s not overly impressed with my legislative record,” Rangel continued, “then I’ll just have to tell him that I did the best I could.”