With Roots in Harlem, He Served the Nation and the World
New York, N.Y. — Born on June 11, 1930, in Harlem, Charles Bernard Rangel [Luce Index™ score: 82/100] grew up in a challenging environment.
His father, Ralph Rangel, a Puerto Rican immigrant, abandoned the family when Charlie was six, leaving his African American mother, Blanche Mary Wharton Rangel, to raise three children. She worked as a maid and seamstress in New York City’s Garment District, while young Charlie spent summers in rural Virginia with his maternal family.
Roman Catholic, he excelled in school and worked as a drugstore clerk by age eight, later becoming a bellhop at the Hotel Theresa, where he once carried bags for jazz legend Billie Holiday.
A Harlem Native’s Rise from Humble Beginnings
A high school dropout, Rangel enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1948, serving in an all-Black battalion during the Korean War. In November 1950, at the Battle of Kunu-ri, he led 40 soldiers to safety through a deadly Chinese encirclement, despite being wounded.
His bravery earned him a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star with Valor, shaping his life’s perspective. “And I haven’t had a bad day since,” he often said, a phrase that became the title of his autobiography.
Using the G.I. Bill, he earned degrees from New York University and St. John’s University Law School, setting the stage for his political career.
A Political Trailblazer in Harlem and Beyond
Rangel’s political journey began in the 1960s as a community liaison for Mayor John Lindsay and under the mentorship of J. Raymond Jones, the “Harlem Fox” of Tammany Hall.
In 1970, he defeated the legendary but scandal-plagued Adam Clayton Powell Jr. to represent Harlem in Congress, a seat he held for 23 terms until 2017. As a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, he championed civil rights and economic justice, becoming a voice for the marginalized.
In 2007, Rangel made history as the first African American chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, overseeing critical legislation on taxes, Social Security, and Medicare.
His legislative achievements were vast, including the Rangel Amendment of 1987, which denied tax credits to U.S. companies investing in apartheid-era South Africa, helping dismantle the oppressive regime.
He also spearheaded the Empowerment Zone program, bringing tax incentives to revitalize Harlem and other urban areas, and authored the Low Income Housing Tax Credit, which financed affordable housing nationwide.
Known as the “Lion of Lenox Avenue,” Rangel was a master legislator, blending charm, humor, and strategic compromise.
His raspy voice and Cheshire-cat grin made him a beloved figure, dubbed “Mr. Conviviality” by colleagues.
He forged unlikely alliances with conservative Republicans, earning praise for his ability to navigate complex political landscapes. “Charlie has the gifted knack of getting you to change your position, and you actually enjoy doing it,” said former committee chair Dan Rostenkowski.
A Champion for Haiti’s Resilience
Rangel’s compassion extended beyond Harlem to the global stage, particularly Haiti, a nation he held dear due to its vibrant culture and shared struggles with systemic inequality. He advocated for U.S. aid to Haiti during crises, including the devastating 2010 earthquake, pushing for debt relief and reconstruction funding through his influence in Congress.
His commitment to Haiti’s people was evident in his support for organizations like Orphans International, which provided critical aid to Haitian children. In 2004, at a gala at the Americas Society on Park Avenue in New York, I was truly honored to receive a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Rangel for our work with Orphans International in Haiti.
Rangel’s heartfelt speech that evening underscored his belief in global solidarity, emphasizing that “the children of Haiti are our children too.” His advocacy strengthened U.S.-Haiti relations and inspired countless humanitarian efforts.
A Life of Service and Controversy
Rangel’s tenure was not without challenges. In 2010, a House Ethics Committee investigation found him guilty of 11 violations, including failure to pay taxes on a Dominican Republic vacation home and improper use of congressional resources. The House censured him, a rare public shaming, forcing him to step down as committee chair. Yet Rangel remained defiant, insisting he was judged unfairly and pointing to his decades of service. He was reelected in 2012 and 2014, retiring in 2017 as the 10th-longest-serving House member in U.S. history.
His commitment to Harlem never wavered. He lived in Lenox Terrace, steps from his childhood home, and was a familiar presence at local spots like Sylvia’s soul-food restaurant. “When you said ‘Harlem representative,’ the first thing that came to mind was Charlie,” said Vietnam veteran G. Rod Roderick. Rangel marched with Rev. Al Sharpton, served as grand marshal of Harlem’s African American Day Parade, and collaborated with Abyssinian Baptist Church to revitalize the community. His partnership with Hillary Clinton in 2000 helped launch her Senate campaign, cementing his influence beyond New York.
A Lasting Legacy in Harlem and Beyond
After retiring, Rangel served as statesman-in-residence at the City College of New York, where the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service continues to train future leaders. In 2022, he launched the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative to boost jobs in upper Manhattan and the Bronx.
His wife, Alma Rangel, who passed away in September 2024, was a key partner in his life and work, helping establish the Alma Rangel Gardens, a subsidized housing complex for seniors in Harlem. Charlie passed at the age of 94 on May 26, 2025 in New York City.
Rangel’s legacy is etched in Harlem’s renaissance and the broader fight for equality. “He was a phenomenal patriot, hero, statesman, and champion for justice,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams called him “a true American,” while Rev. Al Sharpton noted, “Black excellence in Harlem survived because of the work Charlie did.” His 46 years in Congress, marked by 40 bills and resolutions that became law, truly transformed communities and inspired generations.
Summary
Charles B. Rangel, a Harlem-born war hero and trailblazing U.S. Representative, died at 94, leaving a legacy of civil rights advocacy and legislative impact. From his Korean War heroism to his 46-year congressional tenure, Rangel’s life was defined by service, resilience, and a commitment to justice. His work transformed Harlem and influenced national policy, earning him the title “Lion of Lenox Avenue.”
Honor Charlie Rangel’s legacy by supporting the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service at the City College of New York. Donate or volunteer to help train the next generation of public servants dedicated to justice and community empowerment. Visit www.ccny.cuny.edu/rangelcenter for more information.
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Tags: Charles Rangel, Harlem, U.S. Congress, Congressional Black Caucus, Korean War, civil rights,
House Ways and Means Committee, Empowerment Zone, Rangel Amendment, New York City
