The revered former Congressmember Charles Bernard Rangel passed this Monday, May 26. Hordes of electeds and advocates are remembering his legacy as “The Lion of Lenox Avenue.” He was 94.
A native Harlemite, Rangel had earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star in the U.S. Army. He went on to serve as a New York State Assemblymember from 1967 to 1971 and then in Congress from 1971 to 2017. He was also a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). He was preceded in death just months ago by his beloved wife, Alma.
“There are many who will attempt to imitate, but the great Charlie Rangel will never be replicated,” said House Dem Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “Whether in the United States Army, the federal courtroom, the halls of Congress, or the streets of Harlem, Rep. 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.”
Congressmember Adriano Espaillat said, “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, [the] friendship we developed over the years.”
Congressmember Gregory Meeks added that: “Rangel opened doors for future generations of leaders. He was my mentor, dear friend, and an overall special human being who will be greatly missed. I send my condolences to his family, friends, and everyone inspired by his remarkable legacy. May he rest in peace and may his life’s work continue to guide and uplift the nation.”
Inez Dickens, who is a retired assembly member and former city councilmember, mourned the loss of Rangel as his longtime friend and colleague. She said he was the last of a line of fierce warriors and a magnificent leader.
“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,” said Dickens. “Likewise, Rep. 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.”
Other electeds that joined in the chorus of folks remembering Rangel included Public Advocate Jumanne Williams, Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, and State Sen. Cordell Cleare.
This year’s mayoral candidates, like incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, former Assemblymember and Reverend Michael Blake, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, and Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, also had remarks.
“Rep. Charlie Rangel was a giant — in Harlem and in American politics,” said Speaker Adams. “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.”
Mayor Adams said in an interview with WABC on Monday morning that Rangel was a great patriot and powerful representative for Harlem, Manhattan, and in the Bronx. He said that Rangel would be missed but “he lived his life in a very full state.”
“Brother Rep. Rangel’s loss leaves an emptiness and grief felt not only in Harlem but across the nation,” said Blake. “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.”
“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,” said Cuomo.
“Rep. Charlie Rangel was a titan of our city, a tireless advocate for the people of Harlem, and a champion of the working class,” tweeted Mamdani. “Few did more to transform New York, and even fewer fought with as much courage. May his legacy be our guide.”
There were a slew of organizations, institutions, and nonprofits that shared their love and remembrance for Rangel as well.
Patricia C. Jordan, who chairs the Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center, was profoundly saddened by the loss of Rangel. They had honored him at the community center with the Emma L. Bowen Humanitarian Award. “He understood that access to mental health care, addiction treatment, and social services is not a luxury but a fundamental right — and he never stopped fighting to ensure Harlem had the resources it needed to thrive,” said Jordan. “On behalf of our entire Board of Directors, staff, and the thousands of families we serve each year, we extend our deepest condolences to the Rangel family and to all who loved and admired this extraordinary man.”
“My heart is broken by the passing of a lion of Harlem today,” said Reverend Al Sharpton. “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.”
“Rep. Rangel’s partnership with our beloved late pastor, Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, exemplified the power of collaboration in community transformation. Together, they worked hand in hand to revitalize Harlem, combining Rep. Rangel’s legislative expertise with Dr. Butts’ vision for community development. Their shared commitment to creating opportunities for residents at all income levels helped shape Harlem’s renaissance and demonstrated how faith-based institutions and elected leadership could work together for the common good,” said Abyssinian Baptist Church’s Senior Pastor Reverend Dr. Kevin R. Johnson.
The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) said that Rangel maintained a close relationship with LDF for many years through a number of its initiatives, and supported the organization’s commitment to advancing civil rights for Black communities. “With heavy hearts and profound gratitude, we mourn the loss of Harlem’s very own Charlie Rangel — a consummate public servant and legendary advocate who dedicated his life to championing justice, opportunity, and civil rights in New York City and beyond,” said LDF President and Director-Counsel Janai Nelson.
Rangel worked to advance the federal Empowerment Zone project, the Affordable Care Act, and the “Rangel Amendment,” which played a significant role in ending apartheid in South Africa, said Nelson.
He was an amazing gentleman he persevered to serve his community in every way possible as a congressman. We need new leaders like him today to represent the needs of the struggling underclass in every neighborhood. I hope the name a street after him in Harlem and display a plack about him and his contributions to Harlem !