“Lion of Lenox Avenue” was another name to describe the heart and grit of former longtime New York City Congressman and civil rights leader Charles Rangel. At the age of 94, the Harlem native, who was once a high school dropout, turned to become the first black chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. He spent 46 years as a congressman and naturally chaired many crucial bills and resolutions. It was Magic Johnson who made sure to give a fitting tribute, reminding everybody of the good work put in by Rangel.

“Rest in Peace to legendary Congressman Charlie Rangel! Congressman Rangel was a true champion for Harlem and the entire NYC community throughout his 46-year run as a congressman. What an incredible legacy!!” Magic Johnson penned a heartfelt note on X, reminding people of Rangel’s contribution. He was a Korean War veteran, the dean of the New York Congressional Delegation, and a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus.

“In his 23 terms he was one of the most effective lawmakers in Congress, leading all of his colleagues in passing legislation. His dedication to his community and commitment to service will be missed. Cookie and I are praying for the entire Rangel family, friends and loved ones,” said Magic Johnson on X. Even Rangel once quipped about what he wanted people to remember him by.

When asked how he would like to be remembered, Rangel once said, “If I’m gone, quite frankly, I don’t give a damn.” Yet his contributions are so huge that there is no way they can be overlooked. After his sad passing, the 94-year-old leaves behind his wife, Alma, and is survived by his children, Steven and Alicia, along with multiple grandchildren. The Rangel family have planned to hold a private funeral, followed by a public celebration of life.

The contributions of Congressman Charlie Rangel

Born in Harlem in June 1930, Rangel was a high school dropout, but eventually went to college on the G.I. Bill, graduating from New York University. Plus, he attended St. John’s School of Law before becoming an assistant U.S. Attorney. He would go on to serve two terms in the New York State Assembly from 1967 to 1971.

The gravel-voiced Rangel would later be the representative for what is now New York’s 13th congressional district in Harlem from 1971 until 2017. The long term created history too; he was the second-longest-serving incumbent member of the House. His 46 years spent as a congressman were the 10th-most in U.S. history as of 2025. For 23 terms, he sponsored 40 bills and resolutions that became law throughout his tenure.

Congressman Rangel was also the primary sponsor to then-President Barack Obama’s health care reform law, now commonly known as Obamacare. Apart from Magic Johnson, many tributes flew in. “The list of his accomplishments could fill pages, but one thing is certain, he left the world a lot better place than when he entered,” reflected the New York Senator Chuck Schumer, echoing the feelings around Rangel and his immense contributions to public service.