Rev. Al Sharpton
“My heart is broken by the passing of a lion of Harlem today. I met Charlie Rangel as a teenager and we formed a bond that lasted over 50 years. Charlie was a true activist — we’ve marched together, been arrested together and painted crack houses together. After surviving the horrors of the Korean War, he made every day of his life count — whether it was coming home to get a law degree or becoming a fixture on the House of Representatives. Charlie made up the Big Four in Harlem — along with Percy Sutton, Basil Paterson, and David Dinkins — who fought for the community when the rest of the world seemed to be fighting against it. Black excellence in Harlem, in New York, and in the United States survived because of the work Charlie and his cohorts did to keep it alive. While his death, and that of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes earlier this year, marks the closure of that generation’s chapter, their legacy will be felt for lifetimes to come. It is on us now to pick up the torch Charlie Rangel carried for decades to fight for our communities, advance along the road of justice, and uplift ourselves.”
Former New York State Asseblymember and City Council Member Inez Dickens
“Today, Harlem lost the last of our fiercest warriors in the passing of our magnificent leader – the beloved ‘Lion of Lenox Avenue,’ Congressman Charles B. Rangel. When the strong dominant leader of the pride lion departs, the savanna trembles, knowing that leadership is shifting and new and great strength must emerge. Likewise, Congressman Rangel’s passing signals to us that we now stand entrusted to continue his legacy, protecting and nurturing the community he fiercely loved and fought for.“
NYC Public Advocate Jumanne Williams
“Representative Rangel served as an inspiration for New York’s Black community as the last living member of the influential Gang of Four, helping to shape the generations of Black leadership that followed him into government. As we grieve his passing and pray with his family and neighbors, we resolve to learn lessons from and build upon his legacy”
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo
“For nearly half a century, Charlie served with unmatched distinction in the U.S. House of Representatives, becoming the first African American to chair the powerful Ways and Means Committee. He was decorated with the highest honor, a Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his military service, but titles never defined him, his legacy was built on values. On his unbreakable commitment to civil rights, to economic equity, and to dignity and justice for all people. Charlie believed in this country, even when it fell short of its promise. And he believed in people—especially his beloved Harlem. His voice carried through the halls of Congress, but his heart never left home.”
Lloyd Williams, President and CEO of the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce
“It is sadly appropriate that my close friend and mentor ‘The Lion Of Lenox Avenue’ the great Charles B. Rangel would transition On Memorial Day,” said Lloyd Williams. “Rangel was a true American hero, having been awarded the prestigious Purple Heart when fighting for our country during the Korean War in the 1950’s. Rangel will definitely go down in history as one of the most important and effective members of Congress. He will truly be missed internationally, nationwide throughout New York, but especially in his beloved Harlem where ‘he was the man.’”
State Senator Cordell Cleare
“I am incredibly shocked to learn of the passing of my good friend, and tremendous colleague – the Honorable Congressman Charles Rangel, aged 94 years old. Our ‘Lion of Lennox Avenue,’ who said he “Never had a bad day since the war,” he served in Congress for 46 years, beating our Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. in the 1971 election. He became the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee in 2007. A lifelong Democrat, he was a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the surviving member of Harlem’s politically powerful “Gang of Four”– Mayor David Dinkins, New York Deputy Mayor Basil Patterson, and former Manhattan Borough President Percy Sutton.“
Congressman Adriano Espaillat
“Charlie was an inspiration and embodied the truest form of leadership in public service, steadied in his faith and faithfulness in the American people, and a giant unmatched in his leadership, compassion, and commitment to upholding the values of our nation. I will miss him dearly and am grateful for our time together, his mentorship, and most importantly, friendship we developed over the years.”
City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams
“Congressman Charlie Rangel was a giant—in Harlem and in American politics. He served with unmatched wit, courage, and an unshakable belief in the power of government to change lives. It is especially profound to lose him on Memorial Day. He was a proud Korean War veteran whose patriotism was found not just on the battlefield, but in a lifetime of fighting for working people in Congress. His legacy lives on in the countless Black and Latino New Yorkers he lifted up and inspired. I’m so honored to have known him as a friend and inspiration.”
Congressman Hakeem Jeffreies
“There are many who will attempt to imitate, but the great Charlie Rangel will never be replicated. Whether in the United States Army, the federal courtroom, the halls of Congress or the streets of Harlem, Congressman Rangel led a life of public service that is second to none. The prayers of a grateful nation are with his family and the legions who loved this iconic leader. May Charles B. Rangel forever Rest in Power.”
National Urban League
“Congressman Rangel was a longtime friend of the National Urban League and a true champion for civil rights and equal opportunity. The Federal Empowerment Zone project he spearheaded was instrumental in revitalizing urban neighborhoods across the nation. The Low Income Housing Tax Credit legislation he authored financed the majority of affordable housing built over a decade. He also championed the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which created employment opportunities for thousands of young people, veterans, and ex-offenders.”
Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn
“Congressman Rangel was a pioneer and mentor for countless Black politicians and civil rights advocates—from his hometown of Harlem, to Brooklyn to all across our county.
A patriot and a true champion for civil rights, his service—from the front lines of the Korean War to the halls of Congress—embodied an unwavering commitment to the people of New York and the principles of equity, dignity, and opportunity for all.”
Rev. Michael Blake
“Brother Congressman Rangel’s loss leaves an emptiness and grief felt not only in Harlem but across the nation. Brother Congressman Rangel was more than a public servant, he was a beloved son of his community, whose life embodied strength, resilience, and unwavering love for the people he served. His voice gave power to the powerless, and his legacy will forever echo in the hearts of those who called him family, leader, mentor, and friend.“
Joint statement from Siebert Williams Shank Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Shank and Chief Administrative Officer Bill Thompson
“We mourn the passing of Congressman Charles B. Rangel, a relentless driving force for equal opportunity and a true trailblazer who dedicated his life to uplifting others. A decorated war veteran and later, one of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus, Charlie served in Congress for 46 years and was a true inspiration as someone who never wavered in his whole-hearted devotion to his community and country. He broke down barriers of race and class and he eventually became the first Black chair of the House’s Ways and Means Committee, proving that no mountain is too high in pursuit of positive change. We must honor his legacy and follow the path he blazed for all of us.”
I n0w earn 0ver a few th0usand d0llars a week w0rking from h0me. It still feels unreal — I was unempl0yed just m0nths ag0. I thank G0d f0r this chance, and I’m passing it f0rward to anyone wh0 wants it.
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