Celebrating the Legacy of Charles B. Rangel: A Beacon of Empowerment Sunrise June 11, 1930 - Sunset May 26, 2025 - Funeral June 13, 2025
- Karen Brittingham-Edmond
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Jun 14, 2025
Political/Church Happening
Congressman Charles Rangel
Former United States Congressman Charles B. Rangel, a pioneering figure who dedicated 46 remarkable years to the House of Representatives, passed away on Memorial Day at the age of 94. Rangel was not only a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus but also made history by becoming the first African American to chair the influential Ways and Means Committee. He represented what is now New York's 13th Congressional District from 1971 to 2017. After his congressional career, he committed himself to uplifting his community through a program at The City College of New York, focusing on the urgent need for modern infrastructure jobs. He later served as Statesman-in-Residence at The City College, continuing his legacy of service and empowerment.
Charles Early Life
Rangel was born in the vibrant community of Harlem, New York City, on 11 June 1930. His father, Ralph Rangel, hailed from Puerto Rico, arriving in New York in 1914. His mother, Blanche Mary Wharton Rangel, a Black American whose roots trace back to Virginia, was a strong figure in his life. As the second of three siblings—his older brother, Ralph Jr., and younger sister, Frances—Charles navigated a challenging family environment. His father, often absent and struggling with employment, exhibited abusive tendencies before leaving when Charles was just six years old.
In his formative years, Charles was nurtured primarily by his mother, who bravely worked as a maid and seamstress in New York's Garment District alongside his maternal grandfather. Many of his summer days were spent in Accomac, Virginia, where he connected with his family's heritage. Raised in the Catholic faith, Charles's upbringing was marked by the rich cultural tapestry of his ancestry.
President Obama's Right Hand Man Harlem (D) Rep Mr. Charlie Rangel
In 2022, Charles B. Rangel, a stalwart champion of the African American community, continued his legacy of service through the launch of the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative (RIWI) at City College of New York (CCNY). This initiative is designed to uplift and create modern infrastructure jobs in the vibrant neighborhoods of upper Manhattan and the Bronx, fostering economic growth and opportunity for the community.
Rangel is not just a war hero; he is a groundbreaking congressman whose impact resonates deeply in the fabric of American history. Serving for 23 terms in the House of Representatives, he was recognized as one of the most effective lawmakers in Congress, leading his peers in the passage of vital legislation that shaped the nation's landscape. Notably, he served as the primary sponsor of President Obama's transformative healthcare reform law, a testament to his commitment to equity and justice.
Known for his tireless advocacy, Rangel championed 40 bills and resolutions that became law, embodying the spirit of progress and empowerment. His legislative accomplishments include vital programs such as the National Empowerment Zone initiative, the Affordable Care Act, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. He also played a crucial role in the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, and the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), empowering communities of color and fostering economic uplift.
Rangel's visionary work extended beyond borders with the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act and the celebrated 'Rangel Amendment,' which marked a pivotal moment in the fight against Apartheid in South Africa. His lifelong dedication to justice and equality continues to inspire generations, affirming the importance of leadership that reflects the values and aspirations of the African diaspora.
Demonstrating his commitment to education, he established financial mechanisms to construct and rehabilitate public schools nationwide. Following the teachings of Saint Matthew, he was a stalwart champion for the "least among us," dedicated to improving the lives of working families, fighting for jobs and education, and advocating for equality and justice. Rest in Peace and Power, Harlem-born Congressman Charlie Rangel.
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