🕯️
Charles Rangel (1930–2025) was a towering figure in American politics: a decorated Korean War hero, Harlem’s most influential congressman, a founder of the Congressional Black Caucus, the first Black chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, and a legislative giant whose legacy shaped decades of U.S. policy. His death on Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, at age 94, has reignited national interest in his extraordinary life, his achievements, controversies, and the indelible mark he left on New York and the nation.
Read The New York Times Obituary for Charles Rangel
📰 Breaking News: Charles Rangel’s Passing & Harlem’s Mourning
🗞️ Death and Legacy: Charles Rangel died on Memorial Day 2025 at a New York hospital, confirmed by his family and City College of New York. Flags flew at half-staff across Harlem and at CCNY, where Rangel’s name graces public service and workforce programs.
🏛️ Community Reaction: Harlem mourned the loss of a “guiding light.” Leaders, activists, and residents described Rangel as a “lion,” a “hero,” and a “father figure.” Rev. Al Sharpton said, “He never stopped fighting, he never stopped being proud of his community, and that is why we feel like it is a loss to all of us, like a family member, like our daddy died, our granddaddy died.”
🏅 National Tributes: Former President Bill Clinton, Senator Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Rangel’s work on urban renewal, civil rights, and justice. Clinton credited Rangel for the success of the Empowerment Zone program, which revitalized Harlem and other urban areas.
🏫 City College of New York: Rangel served as Statesman-in-Residence and launched the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative, creating jobs and training for Manhattan and the Bronx.
🦁 “Lion of Lenox Avenue”: Rangel’s nickname reflected his fierce advocacy for Harlem, his birthplace and lifelong home.
CBS News: Harlem Reacts to Rangel’s Death
🏛️ Community Reaction: Harlem mourned the loss of a “guiding light.” Leaders, activists, and residents described Rangel as a “lion,” a “hero,” and a “father figure.” Rev. Al Sharpton said, “He never stopped fighting, he never stopped being proud of his community, and that is why we feel like it is a loss to all of us, like a family member, like our daddy died, our granddaddy died.”
🏅 National Tributes: Former President Bill Clinton, Senator Chuck Schumer, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Rangel’s work on urban renewal, civil rights, and justice. Clinton credited Rangel for the success of the Empowerment Zone program, which revitalized Harlem and other urban areas.
🏫 City College of New York: Rangel served as Statesman-in-Residence and launched the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative, creating jobs and training for Manhattan and the Bronx.
🦁 “Lion of Lenox Avenue”: Rangel’s nickname reflected his fierce advocacy for Harlem, his birthplace and lifelong home.
🏅 From Harlem Streets to Korean War Hero: The Early Life of Charles Rangel
👶 Early Years: Born June 11, 1930, in Harlem, Rangel grew up in poverty, witnessing domestic violence and family struggle. His father abandoned the family, and young Charlie dropped out of high school.
🎖️ Korean War Bravery: At age 20, Rangel enlisted in the Army’s all-Black 2nd Infantry Division. In 1950, during the Battle of Kunu-ri, he led fellow soldiers out of a deadly Chinese Army encirclement, earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Valor.
🎓 Education & Law: After the war, Rangel used the GI Bill to attend NYU (1957) and St. John’s University School of Law (1960). He became a private lawyer, assistant U.S. attorney, and legal counsel.
✊ Civil Rights Activism: Rangel marched in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches, was arrested in protests, and became a fixture in Harlem’s political scene.
🏛️ New York Politics: Elected to the State Assembly (1967–1971), Rangel built a reputation for liberal values and practical compromise.
💑 Family Life: Rangel met his wife Alma Carter at Harlem’s Savoy Ballroom. They married in 1964 and had two children, Steven and Alicia, and three grandsons.
Wikipedia: Charles Rangel Biography
🎖️ Korean War Bravery: At age 20, Rangel enlisted in the Army’s all-Black 2nd Infantry Division. In 1950, during the Battle of Kunu-ri, he led fellow soldiers out of a deadly Chinese Army encirclement, earning a Purple Heart and Bronze Star with Valor.
🎓 Education & Law: After the war, Rangel used the GI Bill to attend NYU (1957) and St. John’s University School of Law (1960). He became a private lawyer, assistant U.S. attorney, and legal counsel.
✊ Civil Rights Activism: Rangel marched in the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches, was arrested in protests, and became a fixture in Harlem’s political scene.
🏛️ New York Politics: Elected to the State Assembly (1967–1971), Rangel built a reputation for liberal values and practical compromise.
💑 Family Life: Rangel met his wife Alma Carter at Harlem’s Savoy Ballroom. They married in 1964 and had two children, Steven and Alicia, and three grandsons.
🏛️ Congressional Giant: 46 Years in the House, Black Caucus, and Ways & Means
🗳️ Congressional Career: In 1970, Rangel defeated Harlem legend Adam Clayton Powell Jr. to win a seat in Congress, representing New York’s 13th District for 23 terms (1971–2017).
🤝 Founding the Congressional Black Caucus: In 1971, Rangel co-founded the CBC, amplifying Black voices and advancing civil rights.
🏆 Ways and Means Committee: Rangel became the first Black chair of the powerful tax-writing committee in 2007.
📜 Legislative Achievements:
🎤 Style & Reputation: Known for his gravelly voice, genial manner, and blunt honesty, Rangel was both a master negotiator and a passionate advocate for Harlem and civil rights.
CCNY: Rangel’s Legacy & Workforce Initiative
🤝 Founding the Congressional Black Caucus: In 1971, Rangel co-founded the CBC, amplifying Black voices and advancing civil rights.
🏆 Ways and Means Committee: Rangel became the first Black chair of the powerful tax-writing committee in 2007.
📜 Legislative Achievements:
- Primary sponsor of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare)
- National Empowerment Zone program (urban renewal)
- Low Income Housing Tax Credit
- American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Work Opportunity Tax Credit
- Caribbean Basin Initiative
- Africa Growth and Opportunity Act
- The “Rangel Amendment” against Apartheid in South Africa
🎤 Style & Reputation: Known for his gravelly voice, genial manner, and blunt honesty, Rangel was both a master negotiator and a passionate advocate for Harlem and civil rights.
⚖️ Ethics Scandal, Censure, and Rangel’s Complex Legacy
⚠️ Ethics Violations: In 2010, after a lengthy investigation, the House Ethics Committee found Rangel guilty of 11 violations, including failing to report rental income from a Dominican villa, improper use of rent-stabilized apartments, and soliciting donations for a college center using congressional resources.
🚨 Censure: The House voted 333–79 to censure Rangel, the most severe punishment short of expulsion. He stepped down as Ways and Means chair but was re-elected and served until 2017.
🗣️ Rangel’s Response: He admitted mistakes but denied corrupt intent, attributing errors to negligence, not malice. He famously said, “I know in my heart I’m not going to be judged by Congress. I’ll be judged by my life in its entirety.”
📰 Public Reaction: The scandal tarnished his reputation but did not erase decades of legislative achievement. Harlem voters overwhelmingly re-elected him after his censure.
🔍 Legacy in Context: Rangel’s career is a study in contrasts: historic firsts, civil rights victories, and urban renewal, but also ethical lapses and controversy.
Why Was Charles Rangel Censured? Full Story
🚨 Censure: The House voted 333–79 to censure Rangel, the most severe punishment short of expulsion. He stepped down as Ways and Means chair but was re-elected and served until 2017.
🗣️ Rangel’s Response: He admitted mistakes but denied corrupt intent, attributing errors to negligence, not malice. He famously said, “I know in my heart I’m not going to be judged by Congress. I’ll be judged by my life in its entirety.”
📰 Public Reaction: The scandal tarnished his reputation but did not erase decades of legislative achievement. Harlem voters overwhelmingly re-elected him after his censure.
🔍 Legacy in Context: Rangel’s career is a study in contrasts: historic firsts, civil rights victories, and urban renewal, but also ethical lapses and controversy.
🌆 Harlem’s Cultural Renaissance, Community Impact & the Gang of Four
🎷 Harlem’s Renaissance: Rangel helped save the Apollo Theater and championed Harlem’s cultural revival. He was a friend to jazz legends and a fixture in the neighborhood.
🤝 Community Builder: Rangel’s Empowerment Zone initiative brought jobs, housing, and investment to Harlem and other urban centers.
🦁 Gang of Four: As the last surviving member, Rangel’s passing marks the end of an era for Black political leadership in Harlem.
🏅 Mentor & Inspiration: Rangel mentored generations of Black leaders, activists, and lawmakers, including current NYC and national figures.
🎓 Education & Philanthropy: Rangel’s name lives on at CCNY’s Center for Public Service and the Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative, training Harlem and Bronx residents for modern jobs.
Rolling Stone: Charles Rangel’s Life & Legacy
🤝 Community Builder: Rangel’s Empowerment Zone initiative brought jobs, housing, and investment to Harlem and other urban centers.
🦁 Gang of Four: As the last surviving member, Rangel’s passing marks the end of an era for Black political leadership in Harlem.
🏅 Mentor & Inspiration: Rangel mentored generations of Black leaders, activists, and lawmakers, including current NYC and national figures.
🎓 Education & Philanthropy: Rangel’s name lives on at CCNY’s Center for Public Service and the Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative, training Harlem and Bronx residents for modern jobs.
❓ Charles Rangel FAQ (2025)
Q: When did Charles Rangel die?
A: Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, at age 94.
Q: What are Charles Rangel’s most important achievements?
A: First Black chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus, sponsor of the Affordable Care Act, Empowerment Zones, EITC, and anti-apartheid legislation.
Q: Why was Charles Rangel censured?
A: For 11 ethics violations, including failure to report income and improper use of office. He denied corrupt intent and served until 2017.
Q: What is the “Gang of Four”?
A: A legendary group of Harlem Black political leaders: Rangel, David Dinkins, Percy Sutton, and Basil Paterson.
Q: What was Rangel’s military service?
A: Korean War hero, Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient for bravery at the Battle of Kunu-ri.
Q: Who survives Charles Rangel?
A: Wife Alma, children Steven and Alicia, and three grandsons.
Q: What is Rangel’s legacy?
A: A champion for Harlem, civil rights, and working Americans, whose impact is felt in law, policy, and community to this day.
A: Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, at age 94.
Q: What are Charles Rangel’s most important achievements?
A: First Black chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus, sponsor of the Affordable Care Act, Empowerment Zones, EITC, and anti-apartheid legislation.
Q: Why was Charles Rangel censured?
A: For 11 ethics violations, including failure to report income and improper use of office. He denied corrupt intent and served until 2017.
Q: What is the “Gang of Four”?
A: A legendary group of Harlem Black political leaders: Rangel, David Dinkins, Percy Sutton, and Basil Paterson.
Q: What was Rangel’s military service?
A: Korean War hero, Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient for bravery at the Battle of Kunu-ri.
Q: Who survives Charles Rangel?
A: Wife Alma, children Steven and Alicia, and three grandsons.
Q: What is Rangel’s legacy?
A: A champion for Harlem, civil rights, and working Americans, whose impact is felt in law, policy, and community to this day.
🔗 Official Resources & Useful Links
Wikipedia: Charles Rangel
NYT: Charles Rangel Obituary
CCNY: Rangel’s Legacy
Rolling Stone: Rangel Obituary
CBS News: Harlem Mourns Rangel
ABC7NY: Rangel’s Impact on Harlem
©️ 2025 | Charles Rangel: Complete Guide for US Readers