His father , Ralph Rangel , was from Puerto Rico .
His father , Ralph Rangel , came to New York in 1914 , while his African - American mother , Blanche Mary Wharton Rangel , was from New York City with family roots in Virginia .
His father , Ralph Rangel , was from Puerto Rico and came to New York in 1914 , while his African - American mother , Blanche Mary Wharton Rangel , was from New York City with family roots in Virginia .