Rev. Al Sharpton Honors Harlem Icon Charlie Rangel After His Passing at 94

NEW YORK, NY (May 26, 2025) — Rev. Al Sharpton, Founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), issued a heartfelt tribute following the death of former Rep. Charles Rangel, a stalwart of Upper Manhattan for an impressive 46 years. “Today, we mourn a true titan of Harlem. My friendship with Charlie Rangel dates back to my teenage years and endured for over half a century. He epitomized activism—together we marched, faced arrest, and even repurposed abandoned buildings. After enduring the Korean War's atrocities, he dedicated his life to public service, earning a law degree and becoming a fixture in Congress. Rangel, alongside Percy Sutton, Basil Paterson, and David Dinkins, championed Harlem when few others dared. Though this era has ended, their impactful legacy endures. It is our responsibility to honor Charlie’s fight for justice.”