Charles Rangel was born on June 11, 1930, in New York City. Celebrating his 94th birthday today, Rangel’s legacy spans over five decades of dedicated public service.
Rangel grew up in Harlem. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War. Following his military service, Rangel pursued higher education, graduating from New York University and later earning a law degree from St. John’s University School of Law.
Rangel began his political career in the New York State Assembly in 1966. In 1971, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing New York’s 15th congressional district. He became one of the founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus.
He retired from Congress in 2017, leaving a legacy of unwavering dedication to social justice and public service.
