Charles B. Rangel, one of the most influential and recognizable figures in New York politics, died Sunday at the age of 94. Known as the voice of Harlem for nearly five decades, Rangel was a decorated war veteran, a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and a powerful force in shaping tax and economic policy in Washington.
His death marks the end of a historic chapter in American politics—one written by grit, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to justice.
From Harlem Streets to the Korean Front
Born on June 11, 1930, Rangel grew up in Harlem during a time of deep poverty and racial discrimination. Life wasn’t easy. He dropped out of high school and worked odd jobs to support his family. But everything changed when he joined the U.S. Army at just 18.
Rangel served in the Korean War and became a war hero. In one of the war’s most dangerous battles, he led more than 40 soldiers to safety while badly wounded. He later received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for his bravery. The war gave him perspective—and a purpose. He came home, earned his high school diploma, went on to study at NYU, and eventually became a lawyer.
A Relentless Climb Through New York Politics
Rangel’s political career took off in the late 1960s. After a brief time in the New York State Assembly, he set his sights on Congress. In 1970, he did the unthinkable: he unseated Adam Clayton Powell Jr., a Harlem legend, in the Democratic primary.
From that moment on, Rangel became a fixture in Washington. He served in the House of Representatives for 46 years, making him one of the longest-serving lawmakers in U.S. history when he retired in 2017.
Fighting for the Underserved—and Making Big Waves
Rangel wasn’t the loudest politician in the room, but he knew how to get things done. He was deeply involved in writing the tax code and pushed policies that benefited working families, like expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit. He also helped create the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, which helped millions access affordable housing.
In 2007, Rangel made history by becoming the first African American to chair the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, where he had significant influence over the federal budget and tax policy.
But Rangel didn’t just care about numbers—he cared about people. Whether it was speaking out against apartheid in South Africa or advocating for veterans, his passion was clear: he wanted a fairer America.
Ethics Scandal and Redemption
Despite his long list of achievements, Rangel’s legacy was complicated by an ethics scandal in 2010. He was found to have violated House rules—most notably, failing to report rental income from a villa in the Dominican Republic and misusing rent-stabilized apartments in Harlem.
The House formally censured him, one of the harshest penalties a lawmaker can face short of expulsion. Rangel accepted the censure and apologized, though he never believed he had acted out of personal greed. He continued to serve until he stepped down in 2017.
Family, Harlem, and an Unshakable Legacy
Rangel was married to Alma Rangel, a fellow community leader and social worker, until her passing in 2024. The two were devoted partners in both life and service, raising two children together and championing causes close to their hearts in Harlem.
He was also the last surviving member of Harlem’s famed “Gang of Four,” a political powerhouse group that helped shape New York’s Democratic Party for decades.
Even after retirement, Rangel remained a mentor and public speaker, offering guidance to younger generations through the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service at City College.
A Community in Mourning
News of Rangel’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes. Lawmakers, community leaders, and everyday Harlemites remembered him as a fighter, a friend, and a man who never forgot where he came from.
“Charles Rangel was the heart of Harlem,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. “He turned pain into purpose and service into legacy.”
Representative Hakeem Jeffries called him “a guiding light for so many of us,” adding that “he opened doors so we could walk through them.”
As Harlem mourns the loss of its most beloved statesman, the city—and the country—remember the man who rose from the streets, wore his scars with pride, and never stopped fighting for the people he served.
