Alma E. Rangel

On behalf of the EIHS Board of Directors and staff of the Ellis Island Honors Society, it is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of Alma E. Rangel on September 16, 2024 and extend our sympathy to her husband, The Honorable Charles Rangel, former Congressman and long-time member of the EIHS Board. For many years, my wife Yvonne and I considered them two of our dearest friends. We had often heard Charlie speak of the importance of Alma’s support in his legendary 46-year tenure representing districts in New York City in the US House of Representatives.

In his statement Congressman Rangel said: “To those who had the pleasure of knowing my beautiful wife, Alma, let me take this time to thank you for sharing your condolences and sympathy for our family’s loss this week. We have been so fortunate enjoying Alma’s love, affection and support over these many, many years that we can only thank God for having her with us for so long,”. “On behalf of my children, Steven and Alicia, and my family, let me sincerely thank all of you for your words of support during this time of our loss. Your thoughts are sincerely and deeply appreciated.”

During her career as a social worker, Alma had the opportunity to travel abroad and take part in several Peace Corp initiatives in developing countries where she spoke to local leaders on issues affecting women. I remember well the humanitarian mission that EIHS’ leadership took to Cuba in 2002, where we met with Fidel Castro to discuss providing medical care to the country’s needy citizens. The trip inspired Alma to become interested in Cuba’s history and its government policies as they relate to the opportunities and human rights of its indigenous women.

In addition to being a dedicated wife and mother, Alma Rangel served as President and CEO of the Ralph J. Rangel Foundation, which provides scholarships to students; and vice chair of the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens’ Board of Directors. Her work on behalf of NYC’s seniors led to the establishment of the Alma Rangel Gardens, a HUD subsidized residential building for low- and middle-income elderly persons in central Harlem.  She was also the founder and chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Spouses, a social fundraising arm of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, which awards grants to college students around the country.

For these reasons, and many more, I’m delighted that we had the opportunity to honor Alma E. Rangel for her many accomplishments and contributions to the United States with the 2013 Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

She will be greatly missed.

Chairman Nasser J. Kazeminy

Ellis Island Honors Society