Flags Fly At Half-Mast In Memory Of Trailblazing Harlem Congressman

HARLEM, NY — Flags across New York state will be flown at half-mast on Tuesday in honor of Congressman Charles Rangel, a lifelong Harlem resident, who died on Monday at 94 years old, Governor Kathy Hochul said.

Rangel, nicknamed the "Lion of Lenox Avenue," served 23 terms in Congress, totaling 46 years from 1970 to 2016, and was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

During Rangel's time in office, he sponsored more than 40 pieces of legislation that became law, Hochul said, and broke barriers as the first African American to lead the Ways and Means Committee in Congress.

"A fierce advocate for equal opportunity and a voice for Harlem, Representative Rangel’s legacy shows us what we can accomplish as determined legislators," Hochul said. "My thoughts are with all who loved him."

A history-maker and lifelong Democrat, he was the last surviving member of Harlem’s politically powerful "Gang of Four,” including Mayor David Dinkins, New York Deputy Mayor Basil Patterson, and former Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton.

“Congressman Charlie Rangel was a giant—in Harlem and in American politics," City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams said. "His legacy lives on in the countless Black and Latino New Yorkers he lifted up and inspired. I’m so honored to have known him as a friend and inspiration.”

But, before his time as a public servant for what is now District 13 — which includes Harlem, Washington Heights, Inwood, Morningside Heights and parts of the Bronx — he was a soldier in the Korean War, where he earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.

Harlem State Senator Cordell Cleare remembered Rangel as "Our ‘Lion of Lennox Avenue,’ who said he 'Never had a bad day since the war.'"

"I am incredibly shocked to learn of the passing of my good friend, and tremendous colleague," Cleare said. "Charlie was a vet, a loyal patriot, and a wonderful son of Harlem. His passing today, on Memorial Day, at 5 a.m., is both poignant and painful and yet somewhat befitting in a historical way."

After he retired from Congress, he served as Statesman-in-Residence at The City College, CUNY officials said. CUNY officials announced his death on Monday.

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.