Mayor Adams Posthumously Awards Key to the City of New York to Former Congressman Charles B. Rangel

June 19, 2025

Key to the City of New York to Honor Rangel for Lifetime of Public Service to New York City and Nation

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams posthumously awarded a Key to the City of New York to former U.S. Congressman Charles B. Rangel — who passed away on May 26th at the age of 94 — for his lifetime of service to the city and the nation. Mayor Adams presented the key at his Gracie Mansion Juneteenth Celebration, marking Congressman Rangel’s enormous impact on the lives of New Yorkers across the five boroughs over the course of his decorated service in the U.S. Army and his historic 46-year tenure in Congress, where he spearheaded initiatives for affordable housing, health care, education, tax reform, and more.

“Charlie Rangel’s life was the embodiment of public service. He was a true son of Harlem, and always remembered his New York City roots and the people he served no matter where life took him — whether it was fighting for his country in Korea or fighting for his fellow New Yorkers on the floor of Capitol Hill,” said Mayor Adams. “In Washington, he represented his community as one of our city’s greatest elected leaders for nearly 50 years, and today, I am honored to celebrate the legacy of the ‘Lion of Lenox’ by presenting his loved ones with the honor of a Key to the City of New York. Rest in power, my friend.”

Mayor Adams posthumously awards the Key to the City of New York to former Congressman Rangel for the congressman’s lifetime of service to New York City and the nation.

The presentation of the Key to the City family follows a week of events to honor Congressman Rangel last week throughout New York City, including a public viewing and an honor guard ceremony at City Hall.

About Congressman Charles B. Rangel
Born on June 11, 1930, in New York City, Congressman Rangel rose from humble beginnings to become a decorated war hero, accomplished lawyer, and a legendary statesman. His voice helped shape the national conversation on civil rights, economic justice, and urban revitalization.

A proud son of Harlem, Congressman Rangel served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, earning a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for his bravery. After returning home, he earned degrees from New York University and St. John’s University School of Law, which paved the way for a lifetime of public service.

In 1970, Congressman Rangel won a seat in the U.S. Congress, unseating Adam Clayton Powell Jr. His win launched a historic 46-year tenure in Congress. He was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971 and served as chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, the first African American to do so.

In Harlem, Congressman Rangel was the community’s steadfast and dedicated caretaker, bringing the necessary funding and pride to the place he called home. Rangel’s legacy includes not only landmark legislation but generations of those he mentored and inspired. He leaves behind a grateful community and a nation that has been enriched by his service.

The Key to the City of New York was first awarded in 1702 by New York City Mayor Phillip French, when he offered "Freedom of the City" to Viscount Edward Cornbury, governor of New York and New Jersey. By the mid-1800s, it became customary to award the Key to the City of New York as a direct symbol of the city's wish that a guest feel free to come and go at will. Today, the Key to the City of New York is a beloved symbol of civic recognition and gratitude reserved for individuals whose service to the public and the common good rises to the highest level of achievement. 

###