HARLEM, N.Y. (Diya TV) — Charlie Rangel, the formidable and long-serving Democratic congressman who represented Harlem for more than four decades and stood as the last living member of the influential “Gang of Four,” has died at 94.

The City College of New York (CCNY), Rangel’s alma mater, confirmed his passing on Monday, honoring his legacy as a trailblazer in American politics and a pillar of Black leadership. Rangel, who served 23 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, was widely regarded as one of the most effective legislators of his era.

“He served for 23 terms in the House of Representatives and was cited as the most effective lawmaker in Congress, leading all of his colleagues in passing legislation,” CCNY said in a statement. “He was the primary sponsor of President Obama’s historic health care reform law.”

First elected in 1970 after unseating the controversial Rep. Adam Clayton Powell Jr., Rangel quickly established himself as a political powerhouse and became a founding member of the “Gang of Four,” a political coalition that helped shape New York City politics for decades. Alongside former Mayor David Dinkins, Percy Sutton, and Basil Paterson, Rangel helped build a foundation for Black political empowerment in Harlem and beyond.

Rangel’s legislative accomplishments are numerous and deeply impactful. As chair of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee beginning in 2007, he helped craft major tax and trade policy. He also played a key role in authoring and advancing the Affordable Care Act — President Obama’s signature health care legislation. One of his earlier accomplishments, the “Rangel Amendment,” helped push the U.S. government to sever economic ties with apartheid-era South Africa, a stand that bolstered America’s international human rights stance.

He also spearheaded the creation of the federal Empowerment Zone program, which brought investments and tax incentives to economically distressed urban areas, including Harlem, helping spark revitalization in the 1990s and early 2000s.

But Rangel’s influence extended beyond legislation. Known for his charisma, signature mustache, and deep commitment to Harlem, he became a symbol of Black political excellence. His ability to navigate both grassroots organizing and high-stakes negotiations in Washington earned him respect across the political spectrum.

In a tribute posted Monday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called Rangel a “patriot” and a “trailblazer.” Civil rights activist Rev. Al Sharpton, speaking to ABC News, reflected on marching and being arrested with Rangel during protests. “Black excellence in Harlem, in New York, and the United States survived because of the work Charlie and his cohorts did to keep it alive,” Sharpton said.

Despite facing ethical controversies late in his career — including a 2010 House censure over financial disclosure violations — Rangel’s popularity in Harlem remained strong, and he left office in 2017 after more than 45 years of service.

Born in Harlem in 1930, Rangel served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. After returning home, he attended New York University and then St. John’s University School of Law before launching his political career as an assistant U.S. attorney.

Rangel is survived by his wife Alma and their children.