Charles B. Rangel, the previous New York congressman who represented his Harlem district for forty-six years, died on Monday, Might 26, 2025. He was 94. Rangel was first elected to Congress in 1970, when he unseated Adam Clayton Powell Jr, a 13-term incumbent, in response to the New York Times. He went on to serve longer than virtually some other New Yorker, 23 phrases.
He Led a Lifetime of Service
Rangel, referred to as Charlie to lots of his associates, was the final of New York’s Gang of Four. An influential quartet of Black leaders, which included New York Metropolis Mayor David Dinkins, New York Secretary of State Basil Patterson, and Percy Sutton, a lawyer and civil rights activist whose collective affect was far-reaching for many years.
Rangel was born on June 11, 1930. In line with his congressional biography, he attended Dewitt Clinton Excessive College, acquired a Bachelor of Science from New York College’s College of Commerce, and obtained his Juris Doctorate from St. John’s College Legislation College. Rangel was a veteran of the Korean Struggle, and in addition served as Assistant US State Legal professional of the Southern District of New York, and counsel to the New York State Meeting, and a member of the New York State Meeting earlier than working for Congress.
In 1964, he married Alma Carter, a social employee he met at The Savoy Ballroom. She preceded him in dying. He’s survived by his son, Steven; daughter, Alicia Rangel Haughton; and three grandsons.
Charles Rangel’s Legacy Will Be Remembered
Rangel was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus. The group’s Chair, Yvette D. Clark, and members issued the following statement:
“It’s with deep respect and profound unhappiness that we mourn the passing of former Congressman Charles B. Rangel of New York. On behalf of the 61 members of the Congressional Black Caucus, I lengthen our deepest condolences to his household, associates, and family members.
“Congressman Rangel was the very definition of a life dedicated to public service. Born in Harlem in 1930, he served with distinction within the U.S. Military through the Korean Struggle, incomes each the Purple Coronary heart and the Bronze Star for his braveness and sacrifice. His dedication to serving others continued within the halls of the New York State Meeting after which the USA Congress, the place he represented his group and nation for almost 50 years.
“A trailblazer and statesman, Congressman Rangel was a founding member and former Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. He made historical past as the primary African American to chair the highly effective Home Methods and Means Committee within the Home of Representatives. Identified affectionately because the Lion of Lenox Avenue”, his legacy is certainly one of tireless advocacy, historic firsts, and unwavering dedication to justice and equality. Might he relaxation in energy and eternal peace.”
We lengthen our honest condolences to the Rangel household.
