On Friday, New York state leaders, including Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams, gathered at St. Patrick’s Cathedral to pay tribute to the late Rep. Charlie Rangel.
Rangel, a prominent figure in Harlem’s political landscape, passed away on May 26 at the age of 94. A service was held in his honor at the famous Cathedral in Midtown.
“Charlie was a giant,” Hochul remarked, addressing those in attendance.
She emphasized Rangel’s desire to leverage his influence for the greater good, stating, “He shone a light on Harlem and other communities in need.”
Hochul also shared plans with Adams to commemorate Rangel by renaming a street in Harlem “Charlie Rangel Way.”
The service drew around 500 attendees, including notable figures like Bill and Hillary Clinton, Senator Chuck Schumer, State Attorney General Tish James, and more than 20 Congress members.
Rangel’s casket was escorted to the church by military personnel along with his family, which included his two adult children.
Senator Schumer delivered heartfelt comments about his long-standing friend and colleague, who represented four different council districts throughout his 46 years in public service.
The event saw many politicians in attendance, including Clinton, Hochul, and Schumer.
Reflecting on his legacy, the New York Democrats acknowledged the impact of Rangel’s voice and presence. “You often don’t realize how special someone is until they’re gone,” they noted.
Prior to the service on Friday, Rangel’s casket lay in state at City Hall, where it was available for public viewing for two days.
Known as the “Lion of Lennox Avenue,” Rangel entered Congress in 1970 by defeating then-incumbent Adam Clayton Powell Jr. for the Harlem seat.
He was part of the legendary “Gang of Four,” a notable African American political coalition that included figures like Mayor David Dinkins and Senator Basil Patterson.
Marking his lasting influence, speakers at the service spoke of Rangel’s deep pride for his neighborhood and the community he served.
“America is better today because of his service,” mentioned Hakim Jeffries, who leads the House Democratic Caucus.
In his tribute, Jeffries described Rangel as a family man, a well-dressed and compassionate leader with a sense of humor and commitment to hard work. “Above all, he was a Harlem guy,” he added.
