Congressman Charles B. Rangel
 |
| Rep. Charlie Rangel. Photo: APK Photo |
ALBI YA NEW YORK—An elder statesman, a Civil Rights ambassador, a trailblazing legislator, and a visionary for social and economic justice for his beloved Harlem community were just some of the accolades that many have shared on the mention of his name.
Congressman Charles “Charlie” Rangel, who passed away on May 26 at the age of 94, was admired and remembered by his colleagues, constituents, friends, and admirers as a great nobleman who served 46 years in Congress. Born June 11, 1930, he was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971 and a decorated soldier from the Korean War.
Congressman Rangel epitomized leadership with pomp, personality, style, and purpose. He was a champion for justice who introduced legislation in 1987 that helped to dismantle Apartheid in South Africa,
Called the Rangel Amendment, which denied foreign tax credits to American companies investing in that country. Congressman Rangel was the first Black person to serve in the powerful Ways and Means Committee. He also opposed the Iraq War.
The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan stated that Congressman Charles Rangel was a good man and good for Black people and was always loving to his constituents. He walked in the footsteps of Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Minister Farrakhan said.
He defeated longtime legendary Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr., in 1970 and served in Congress from 1971 to 2017.
“Congressman Charlie Rangel was a freedom fighter. Being the Congressman from New York necessitated that he took stands on behalf of Black Americans that were not all the time popular with the rest of America,” stated Rev. Dr. Benjamin Chavis, a longtime friend and President of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA).
Reminiscing about the courage and uniqueness of Congressman Rangel, Dr. Chavis added, “He spoke at the historic Million Man March and was a supporter of the Million Man March in 1995. Charlie Rangel was a strong supporter from the very beginning.”
The Million Man March was called by the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan in a gathering under the theme of Atonement, Reconciliation and Responsibility. Nearly two million men responded to Minister Farrakhan’s call on October 16, 1995.
“While some African Americans in Congress were slow to announce their support for the March, Rangel came out early to show his support. Though he was not on the original list of speakers at the March, he showed up and we let him speak out of respect for him.
While other congressmen were there, he was the first Black member from Congress to speak. Charlie Rangel had courage. That courage was not to find favor with the oppressor, but courage to speak truth to power in the interest of the oppressed,” said Dr. Chavis.
Dr. Chavis, who served as the National Director of the historic March, said: “We should strive to memorialize him by continuing to fight for freedom in Harlem, across America and throughout the world. Charlie Rangel was also an internationalist with strong support in the Caribbean as well as in Africa.”
Others shared their reflections on the longtime congressman and public servant.
“The passing of Congressman Rangel marks the end of an era of political stalwarts who impacted the country from their base in Harlem. Charlie Rangel, known as the Lion of Lenox Avenue and the last surviving member of the Gang of Four, has built a legacy where his career spanned decades of overcoming social challenges that those who follow in his footsteps can learn.
Grow and understand the dynamics of a political champion to pattern themselves after if need be,” stated Student Minister Arthur Muhammad, Regional Minister of the Eastern Region of the Nation of Islam and Mosque No. 7 in Harlem.
The Gang of Four were Black American political figures who wielded great power in New York City and state politics, noted the Associated Press. The other members included the city’s first Black mayor, David Dinkins, Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton and Basil Paterson, a deputy mayor and New York secretary of state, APK reported.
NY Senator Leroy Comrie shared in his press release, “Congressman Charles B. Rangel was a true giant in American politics, a trailblazer in public service and a steadfast champion for the people of Harlem and our entire nation.
Charlie was never afraid to speak truth to power. He fought tirelessly for working families, for civil rights, for housing, education, and health care. He was a mentor, friend, and a fierce believer in the potential of every young person in the village of Harlem and beyond.”
NY State Senator Cordell Cleare said, “Charles Rangel was Harlem. He was our voice, our champion, and our unwavering fighter in Washington. … Charlie didn’t just serve Harlem, he lifted it and in doing so, he changed the course of New York State and this nation.”
She continued, “His passing on Memorial Day is especially poignant and symbolic. As a soldier, statesman, and a son of Harlem, this day belongs to men like him. His legacy will live on in every street paved, every policy changed and every young person inspired to serve.”
NY Councilman Yusef Salaam said in his press release, “This Memorial Day we honor Our very own Lion of Lenox Ave. and Korean War veteran, Congressman Charles Rangel. He shared the excellence of Harlem with the world and we offer our condolences to those he leaves behind.”
Mr. Lloyd Williams, President and CEO of The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce and longtime friend of Mr. Rangel said, “Congressman Rangel authored the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone, which was put into legislation and approved by then-President Bill Clinton that impacted urban areas across America.
But in New York City, there were two distinct communities that benefited from his legislation in the Empowerment Zone, one was Harlem the other was the South Bronx.
In Harlem, new business creations, employment opportunities and community improvements and particularly economic developments—Charlie Rangel was instrumental in bringing to the entire Harlem area with funding from the public and private sector.”
In his statement, Mr. Williams said that Congressman Rangel had an international vision. “He blocked America’s business with South Africa due to the apartheid regime. He fought for the release of Nelson Mandela and welcomed Nelson Mandela to the Harlem community when he was released.
The Congressman was also a sponsor of the Caribbean Initiative legislation in the U.S. Congress, which opened up trade and business opportunities in the Caribbean Nations. Congressman Rangel was a staunch advocate for bridging the technology divide in our cities, in our communities of color.
He was one who fought to get health initiatives that were missing relating to drug addiction in our communities. As you look at the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone you got to Chicago, East St. Louis, or New Orleans you can see that his leadership with the empowerment zones have benefitted many urban areas throughout America,” the statement continued.
Resolutions from Congress, the NY Assembly and Senate were passed in honor of Congressman Rangel in May. According to the New York Amsterdam News, Congressman Rangel will lie in repose June 9-10 at St. Aloysius Church, and lie in state at NY City Hall, June 11-12.
The funeral service will be held at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on June 13. A final tribute is also being planned during Harlem Week on August 17 later this summer.
Comments
Post a Comment