Charlie Rangel’s Second Act: A Legacy of Change and Redemption

Yesterday, we said goodbye to a giant. Former Congressman Charlie Rangel, a son of Harlem and a voice for the voiceless, passed away at 94. 

For decades, Rangel was a political mainstay, one of the last lions of a powerful Black political machine called the Gang of Four, which included David Dinkins, Percy Sutton, and Basil Paterson. Together, they didn’t just make history—they shaped it.

Like many from his era, Rangel was once a fierce supporter of the War on Drugs. It’s no secret that those policies devastated our communities, but how he grew matters just as much. Around 2011, Rangel began shifting. He co-signed legislation that would’ve removed federal penalties for cannabis and allowed states to choose their own path. That pivot wasn’t just political—it was personal. It showed a man unafraid to evolve, listen, and try to right what was once wrong.

At CashColorCannabis, we respect that kind of growth. We honor those who’ve tried to make amends, especially when it comes to this plant and the people it’s impacted.

Rest easy, Congressman. Your story, flaws and all, is part of our history. And we thank you for helping to change the narrative.