05/27/2025
Rest in Power: Honoring the Legacy of Congressman Charles B. Rangel
By Inner City Voice Media
Harlem and the world have lost a legend. Congressman Charles Bernard Rangel — a titan of public service, a son of Harlem, and one of the most influential Black lawmakers in American history — has passed on, leaving behind a legacy that will live for generations.
Born on June 11, 1930, in the heart of Harlem, Rangel rose from humble beginnings, facing the same systemic obstacles that many Black Americans continue to fight today. A high school dropout who later earned his GED, Rangel served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his valor. His military service was just the beginning of a life rooted in purpose and service.
After returning home, he graduated from New York University and went on to receive his law degree from St. John’s University. But Rangel’s true calling was public service — not just in policy, but in people. In 1970, he unseated the legendary Adam Clayton Powell Jr. and began what would become a 46-year career in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Charles Rangel was more than a politician — he was a bridge between eras, movements, and communities. As a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus, he fought tirelessly for racial justice, economic equality, and education reform. He championed policies that supported working families, affordable housing, and urban development. And as Chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, he wielded influence over the nation's tax laws — the first African American ever to hold that role.
To Harlem, he wasn’t just a congressman. He was our congressman — always present at community events, marching in parades, visiting schools, and fighting for the very soul of our neighborhoods. He defended Harlem during times of gentrification and displacement, making sure our voices were never silenced in the halls of power.
Charles Rangel's name is etched into the blueprint of Black political advancement in America. He showed us that power didn’t have to come at the cost of principle, that being Black and bold could sit at the center of American government and command respect.
As we honor his life, we also accept the baton. Rangel once said, “If you don't know where you're going, you will probably end up somewhere else.” He knew where he was going — and he made sure we had a path to follow.
Rest in Power, Charles B. Rangel. Your Harlem family will never forget you. And your people will never stop building on the foundation you laid.
— Inner City Voice Media
