Charles B. Rangel, Longtime Harlem Congressman and Civil Rights Advocate, Dies at 94
- Staff Report
- 1 day ago
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Charles B. Rangel, a towering figure in American politics who served Harlem in the U.S. House of Representatives for 46 years and was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, died Monday, May 26, 2025. He was 94.
Rangel passed away at Harlem Hospital Center on Memorial Day, a poignant date for the decorated Korean War veteran who received a Bronze Star with Valor and a Purple Heart for his service.
Born on June 11, 1930, in Harlem, Rangel rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most influential lawmakers of his era. After earning degrees from New York University and St. John's University School of Law through the G.I. Bill, he entered public service, first as an assistant U.S. attorney and then as a member of the New York State Assembly.
In 1970, Rangel unseated incumbent Adam Clayton Powell Jr. to represent Harlem in Congress. Over the next 23 terms, he became known as the "Lion of Lenox Avenue," championing civil rights, economic justice, and urban development. He was instrumental in legislation such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and initiatives promoting U.S. divestment from apartheid South Africa.
In 2007, Rangel made history as the first African American to chair the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, overseeing tax policy and entitlement programs. His tenure was marred in 2010 by ethics violations, including failure to disclose income and misuse of official resources, leading to a formal censure by the House. Despite this, Rangel remained a respected figure, serving until his retirement in 2017.
Beyond his legislative work, Rangel was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the last surviving member of Harlem's influential "Gang of Four," alongside David Dinkins, Percy Sutton, and Basil Paterson. After retiring, he continued to serve his community through initiatives like the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative at City College of New York.
Rangel is survived by his two children and three grandsons. His wife, Alma, predeceased him.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered flags across the state to be flown at half-staff in his honor. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
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