Rev. Al Sharpton
“My coronary heart is damaged by the passing of a lion of Harlem at present. I met Charlie Rangel as an adolescent and we shaped a bond that lasted over 50 years. Charlie was a real activist — we’ve marched collectively, been arrested collectively and painted crack homes collectively. After surviving the horrors of the Korean Struggle, he made on daily basis of his life rely — whether or not it was coming dwelling to get a legislation diploma or turning into a fixture on the Home of Representatives. Charlie made up the Massive 4 in Harlem — together with Percy Sutton, Basil Paterson, and David Dinkins — who fought for the group when the remainder of the world gave the impression to be combating in opposition to it. Black excellence in Harlem, in New York, and in america survived due to the work Charlie and his cohorts did to maintain it alive. Whereas his loss of life, and that of Dr. Hazel N. Dukes earlier this 12 months, marks the closure of that era’s chapter, their legacy might be felt for lifetimes to return. It’s on us now to select up the torch Charlie Rangel carried for many years to combat for our communities, advance alongside the highway of justice, and uplift ourselves.”
Former New York State Asseblymember and Metropolis Council Member Inez Dickens
“As we speak, Harlem misplaced the final of our fiercest warriors within the passing of our magnificent chief – the beloved ‘Lion of Lenox Avenue,’ Congressman Charles B. Rangel. When the sturdy dominant chief of the delight lion departs, the savanna trembles, understanding that management is shifting and new and nice energy should emerge. Likewise, Congressman Rangel’s passing indicators to us that we now stand entrusted to proceed his legacy, defending and nurturing the group he fiercely beloved and fought for.“
NYC Public Advocate Jumanne Williams
“Consultant Rangel served as an inspiration for New York’s Black group because the final residing member of the influential Gang of 4, serving to to form the generations of Black management that adopted him into authorities. As we grieve his passing and pray together with his household and neighbors, we resolve to study classes from and construct upon his legacy”
Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo
“For almost half a century, Charlie served with unmatched distinction within the U.S. Home of Representatives, turning into the primary African American to chair the highly effective Methods and Means Committee. He was adorned with the very best honor, a Purple Coronary heart and Bronze Star for his navy service, however titles by no means outlined him, his legacy was constructed on values. On his unbreakable dedication to civil rights, to financial fairness, and to dignity and justice for all individuals. Charlie believed on this nation, even when it fell wanting its promise. And he believed in individuals—particularly his beloved Harlem. His voice carried by way of the halls of Congress, however his coronary heart by no means left dwelling.”
Lloyd Williams, President and CEO of the Better Harlem Chamber of Commerce
“It’s sadly applicable that my shut good friend and mentor ‘The Lion Of Lenox Avenue’ the good Charles B. Rangel would transition On Memorial Day,” mentioned Lloyd Williams. “Rangel was a real American hero, having been awarded the celebrated Purple Coronary heart when combating for our nation through the Korean Struggle within the 1950’s. Rangel will certainly go down in historical past as probably the most vital and efficient members of Congress. He’ll really be missed internationally, nationwide all through New York, however particularly in his beloved Harlem the place ‘he was the person.’”
State Senator Cordell Cleare
“I’m extremely shocked to study of the passing of my good good friend, and great colleague – the Honorable Congressman Charles Rangel, aged 94 years outdated. Our ‘Lion of Lennox Avenue,’ who mentioned he “By no means had a nasty day for the reason that struggle,” he served in Congress for 46 years, beating our Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. within the 1971 election. He turned the chairman of the Home Methods 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 highly effective “Gang of 4”– 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 type of management in public service, steadied in his religion and faithfulness within the American individuals, and an enormous unmatched in his management, compassion, and dedication to upholding the values of our nation. I’ll miss him dearly and am grateful for our time collectively, his mentorship, and most significantly, friendship we developed over time.”
Metropolis Council Speaker Adrienne Adams
“Congressman Charlie Rangel was an enormous—in Harlem and in American politics. He served with unmatched wit, braveness, and an unshakable perception within the energy of presidency to vary lives. It’s particularly profound to lose him on Memorial Day. He was a proud Korean Struggle veteran whose patriotism was discovered not simply on the battlefield, however in a lifetime of combating for working individuals in Congress. His legacy lives on within the numerous Black and Latino New Yorkers he lifted up and impressed. I’m so honored to have identified him as a good friend and inspiration.”
Congressman Hakeem Jeffreies
“There are lots of who will try to imitate, however the nice Charlie Rangel won’t ever be replicated. Whether or not in america Military, the federal courtroom, the halls of Congress or the streets of Harlem, Congressman Rangel led a lifetime of public service that’s second to none. The prayers of a grateful nation are together with his household and the legions who beloved this iconic chief. Could Charles B. Rangel endlessly Relaxation in Energy.”
Nationwide City League
“Congressman Rangel was a longtime good friend of the Nationwide City League and a real champion for civil rights and equal alternative. The Federal Empowerment Zone venture he spearheaded was instrumental in revitalizing city neighborhoods throughout the nation. The Low Earnings Housing Tax Credit score laws he authored financed the vast majority of reasonably priced housing constructed over a decade. He additionally championed the Work Alternative Tax Credit score, which created employment alternatives for 1000’s of younger individuals, veterans, and ex-offenders.”
Brooklyn Democratic Social gathering Chair Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn
“Congressman Rangel was a pioneer and mentor for numerous Black politicians and civil rights advocates—from his hometown of Harlem, to Brooklyn to all throughout our county.
A patriot and a real champion for civil rights, his service—from the entrance strains of the Korean Struggle to the halls of Congress—embodied an unwavering dedication to the individuals of New York and the rules of fairness, dignity, and alternative for all.”
Rev. Michael Blake
“Brother Congressman Rangel’s loss leaves an vacancy and grief felt not solely in Harlem however throughout the nation. Brother Congressman Rangel was greater than a public servant, he was a beloved son of his group, whose life embodied energy, resilience, and unwavering love for the individuals he served. His voice gave energy to the powerless, and his legacy will endlessly echo within the hearts of those that known as him household, chief, mentor, and good friend.“
