The Legal Defense Fund (LDF) mourns the loss of Charles “Charlie” B. Rangel, former U.S. Representative and congressman for New York City’s 13th Congressional district representing Harlem and its neighboring communities. A Harlem native, army veteran, and one of the city’s influential “Gang of Four”, Mr. Rangel was a devoted and dutiful public servant committed to building bridges and improving lives. Over his 46-year congressional career, Mr. Rangel served as a powerful voice on various issues, including civil rights, public education, affordable housing, healthcare, and industrial development. Mr. Rangel made history as a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus and the first Black member of Congress to lead the House Ways and Means Committee. Mr. Rangel also maintained a close relationship with LDF for many years through a number of its initiatives, supporting the organization’s shared commitment to advancing civil rights for Black communities. Rep. Charles Rangel passed away on May 26, 2025 at 94 years old.
LDF President and Director-Counsel Janai Nelson issued the following statement:
“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. Mr. Rangel’s record tenure over 46 years serving what is today the 13th Congressional District for New York serves as a testament to his devotion to his community and country. A transformative leader on Capitol Hill, Mr. Rangel worked to advance an exhaustive record of legislation to improve the lives of vulnerable communities—including the Empowerment Zone program, the Affordable Care Act, and the ‘Rangel Amendment’ which played a significant role in ending apartheid in South Africa. LDF had the honor and privilege of knowing Mr. Rangel in sharing his distinct and infallible dedication to advancing the rights of Black communities in Harlem and throughout the United States. We are grateful to have experienced Mr. Rangel’s extraordinary partnership, collaboration, and support over the years.”
“We send our deepest condolences and sympathies to his family and loved ones. While we are saddened by this loss, the magnitude of Mr. Rangel’s enduring impact cannot be overstated. Mr. Rangel’s legacy will forever live on through the countless lives he touched and communities he uplifted. May he rest in peace and power.”
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Founded in 1940, the Legal Defense Fund (LDF) is the nation’s first civil rights law organization. LDF’s Thurgood Marshall Institute is a multi-disciplinary and collaborative hub within LDF that launches targeted campaigns and undertakes innovative research to shape the civil rights narrative. In media attributions, please refer to us as the Legal Defense Fund or LDF. Please note that LDF has been completely separate from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) since 1957—although LDF was originally founded by the NAACP and shares its commitment to equal rights.
