Charles Rangel, Pioneering Harlem Congressman and First Black Chair of House Ways and Means Committee, Dies at 94

Published: May 26, 2025

NEW YORK — Charles B. Rangel, a towering figure in American politics and the longest-serving Congressman in New York history, died Monday at the age of 94. Known as the “Lion of Lenox Avenue,” Rangel’s death was announced by his alma mater, the City College of New York, on Memorial Day. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed, but the Associated Press reported he passed away in a New York hospital.

Born in Harlem on June 11, 1930, to a working-class family, Charles Bernard Rangel rose from humble beginnings and the battlefields of Korea to become one of the most influential voices in the U.S. Congress. Over four decades, he left an indelible mark on American history — as a decorated war hero, civil rights pioneer, legislative powerhouse, and relentless advocate for social and economic justice.

From Harlem Streets to the Korean Frontlines

Rangel’s early life was marked by struggle. His father abandoned the family when Charles was only six years old. Raised by his mother, who worked tirelessly as a cleaner and factory worker, young Rangel attended DeWitt Clinton High School but dropped out at 16, choosing work over school.

In 1948, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Korea. There, his leadership and courage became legendary. Serving as a sergeant in the all-Black 503rd Field Artillery Battalion of the 2nd Infantry Division, Rangel was wounded and trapped behind enemy lines during the Battle of Kunu-ri. Against overwhelming odds, he led more than 40 soldiers to safety. For his valor, he was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.

“I know that nothing is ever going to happen to me in life that I’m going to complain about after Kunu-ri,” Rangel said in a 2000 interview, reflecting on the harrowing five-day battle.

A Lifelong Commitment to Public Service

Returning from the war, Rangel resumed his education, completing high school at the age of 23. He supported himself as a bellhop at Harlem’s Hotel Theresa — a job that once led him to carry the luggage of jazz legend Billie Holiday. “I completely fell apart,” he once confessed of the star-struck moment.

Rangel went on to graduate from New York University in 1957 and St. John’s University School of Law in 1960. A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, he began his legal career as an assistant U.S. attorney under legendary prosecutor Robert Morgenthau before launching into politics.

In 1970, Rangel unseated the influential but scandal-plagued Adam Clayton Powell Jr., becoming the U.S. Representative for New York’s 18th Congressional District. Over time, the boundaries changed, but his political base remained Harlem — a community he fiercely championed for more than 40 years.

As a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and its former chair, Rangel played a pivotal role in advocating for civil rights, economic empowerment, and racial equality. He helped guide landmark legislation on health care, education, and tax reform.

Perhaps most notably, Rangel became the first African-American to chair the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, the chief tax-writing body in Congress. In this role, he oversaw vast areas of federal policy, including taxation, Social Security, Medicare, and trade.

A Fighter with Flair and Wit

Rangel’s sharp intellect was matched by his unmatched charisma and sharp tongue. Always impeccably dressed and famously mustachioed, he was as comfortable giving fiery speeches as he was sharing laughs with colleagues across the aisle.

He was never one to hold back his opinions. In 2005, speaking about then-Vice President Dick Cheney, Rangel quipped on national television: “I would like to believe he’s sick rather than just mean and evil,” referencing Cheney’s recurring health issues. The comment drew ire from conservatives but underscored Rangel’s unfiltered style.

He also played a critical role in historic moments such as the House Judiciary Committee’s impeachment hearings during the Watergate scandal. A photo from July 29, 1974, shows him alongside fellow icons Barbara Jordan and John Doar as they examined evidence against President Richard Nixon.

Praise From Across the Political Spectrum

News of Rangel’s passing brought a cascade of tributes from political leaders, public servants, and community members across the nation.

“Charlie Rangel was more than a Congressman — he was a movement unto himself,” said former governor and current New York mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo. “He believed in America even when it fell short of its promise.”

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer remembered Rangel as “a great man, a great friend, and someone who never stopped fighting for his constituents and the best of America.”

New York Attorney General Letitia James hailed Rangel as a “giant” of Harlem whose legacy will live on for generations. “Now the lion of Lenox Avenue roars from above,” she wrote.

During a Memorial Day ceremony aboard the USS Intrepid, New York City Mayor Eric Adams honored Rangel’s military service and his enduring commitment to public service. “He was a true American and a true committer to what’s great about this country,” Adams said.

Personal Life and Legacy

Charles Rangel was married to Alma Rangel for more than six decades. They met in the 1950s on the dance floor of Harlem’s iconic Savoy Ballroom — a romance that blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Alma, an influential figure in her own right, passed away in October 2024. Together, they had two children, Steven and Alicia, and several grandchildren.

Rangel’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of Harlem and the nation. His story — from dropout to decorated soldier, from hotel bellhop to Congressional titan — is one of resilience, patriotism, and unwavering dedication to justice.

Despite controversies later in his career, including an ethics investigation that led to his censure in 2010, Rangel remained a beloved figure in his community and a respected voice in Washington.

He retired from Congress in 2017 after serving 23 terms and remained active in civic life, continuing to mentor young leaders and speak out on issues close to his heart.

As the nation remembers him this Memorial Day, Charles Rangel is not just mourned as a politician or veteran, but as a symbol of perseverance, courage, and the power of public service.

May the Lion of Lenox Avenue rest in power.