Charles R. Fanniel was born in Houston Texas to a teenage mother. The oldest of 7 siblings 4 boys and three girls. The value of hard work, education and community service was instilled in him at an early age. Charles R. Fanniel currently serves as Co-founder/owner of Fanniel Fashions as a small business entrepreneur for the past 18 years.

Charles R. Fanniel graduated from Phoenix Union High School and consistently volunteered at many community organizations. Charles R. Fanniel attend Metro Tech School in Phoenix Arizona. Subsequently enrolled in Arizona State University seeking a Criminal Justice degree.

After attending Arizona State University Charles R. Fanniel joined Laborers International Union of North America Local #1297, where he served as chief contract negotiator, elected, as President and served for nine years. Charles R. Fanniel served as President of Central Arizona Chapter of the A. Phillip Randolph Institute a standing committee of the AFL-CIO. He received a national community service award for community service and voter registration.

Charles R. Fanniel was the first minority to own an Independent Xerox Franchise in Arizona. The business provided training, office equipment, copiers, and printers for other small minority businesses to be successful. Charles R. Fanniel political involvement included precinct committeeman, deputy registrar, and district chairman. Subsequently Charles Fanniel was elected as an Arizona Delegate 1976 and 1984 for Jesses Jackson for President.

Charles R. Fanniel continued his passion for serving the community by joining the Maricopa County Branch NAACP serving several positions in fundraising, membership chair, legal Redress and later being elected Vice President and President serving 10 years. He was elected and served 7 years as treasurer and elected President of the NAACP Arizona State Conference serving 10 years -to present -Received National award for community service.

Throughout his career Charles received numerous accolades for his achievements within in the community as a servant and civil rights activist which included a Prince Hall Mason for 54 years serving as Master of the Lodge for 7 terms, secretary for 17 years. He is a Shiner and a 33-degree Mason. Charles R. Fanniel was awarded Master Mason of the Year and received the Dr. Martin Luther King Living the Dream Award.

Charles R. Fanniel is the chairman of Deacon Board at South Phoenix Missionary Baptist Church. He is married to Dr. Lucille Fanniel and enjoys spending time with his family and 96-year-old mother.