Rodney L. Carroll was born in Harlem NY on August 1, 1965. The oldest of three, he was raised and influenced by two strong women -- his mother Yvonne Carroll and grandmother Mildred D. Brown. Both imparted the importance of education, family and community in Rodney and his siblings. Rodney attended Murry Bergtraum High School and went on to graduate with a BA in Entertainment Marketing with a minor in Computer Studies from New York Institute of Technology.
To say that Rodney loved music and the performing arts...was an understatement!
In school he participated in talent shows and plays. As an adult, he continued to find outlets for his creative spirit.
While in college, Rodney hosted a campus radio show. Later on, he worked in the music department of "The Wiz" in the Bronx, and eventually became the department manager. The store is also the site where he met his first wife, Cherise S. Carroll.
They both shared a love of music. Attending concerts was one of their favorite past times. Rodney took on the role of "Dad" to Cherise's son Malik. Becoming an instant Dad opened up the opportunity for Rodney to participate in another of his favorite things -- baseball! Then the family increased by one with the birth of their son Taurean.
Rodney coached Malik, and later on Taurean, as well as nephews, nieces and neighborhood children playing for Harlem Little League for over 8 years.
He often talked about starting a team, and even a league of his own.
Rodney was also blessed with another son, his youngest - Emilio.
After graduating from college, Rodney worked at A. Philip Randolph Campus High School in Harlem. He eventually followed in his mother's footsteps and became a caseworker.
During the course of his career as a NYC Administration for Children’s Services Caseworker, Supervisor; Staff representative and organizer, Social Service Employee Union Local 371, DC37; Union Negotiator - Rodney worked with, supported and was recognized for his work in the community. He ran for a 9th City Council District seat in 2005. It was noted in his bio that "Rodney Carroll is the only candidate for this city council position who signed Affordable Housing pledge outside City Hall Park earlier this year".
Mr. Carroll also loved politics. Rodney worked as an intern with Mayor Beame's office as a youth. Both his grandmother and mother introduced him to many of Harlem's notable residents including Percy Sutton, Lloyd Williams, Charles Rangel and Assemblyman Keith L. Wright, and Lt Governor Anthony Spencer.
Rodney was diagnosed with cancer in 2009. Rodney refused to let cancer slow him down and continued to work and make a difference in the community.
Rodney participated and worked with many community based organizations and associations such as the Association of Black Social Workers; Coalition of Black Trade Unionists; Labor Council for Latin American Advancement; Harlem Little League (manager & coach); Boys Harbor (Board); Harlem YMCA (Parent Advisor); Working Families Party (Manhattan chapter).
On November 18th, 2011, Rodney L. Carroll lost the fight with cancer.
His absence was felt deeply by his family, friends and the community.
In his honor, we will hold events that would have made him smile and dance...and use the proceeds to help organizations that support families struggling due to loss of a family member to cancer; Provide support for mentally challenged adults when they age out of programs; programs that help the caretakers of people caring for family members with cancer or mentally challenged adults who do not have a strong support base. Rodney's Legacy of building up the community and helping those less fortunate will be continued...