Al Sharpton Speaker Biography
Renowned Civil Rights Leader
The Reverend Al Sharpton is an internationally renowned civil rights leader, founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), which has more than 100 chapters across the country. Hailed by former President Barack Obama as a โchampion for the downtrodden,โ Reverend Sharpton is the host of โPolitics Nationโ on MSNBC; a nationally syndicated daily radio show โKeepinโ It Realโ; and a nationally broadcast radio show on Sunday titled, โThe Hour of Power.โ
Civil Rights
A disciple of the teachings of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Reverend Sharpton has been at the forefront of the modern civil rights movement for nearly a half of a century. He has championed police reform and accountability, calling for the elimination of unjust policies like โStop-and-Frisk.โ He has fought for voting rights, equity in education and healthcare and LGBTQ rights. Across the years, Reverend Sharpton has advocated for those who have been victimized including Yusef Hawkins, Michael Stewart, Amadou Diallo, Abner Louima, Sean Bell, the Jena Six, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown, Eric Garner and others.
Religion
A native of Brooklyn, New York, Reverend Sharpton preached his first sermon at the age of 4 at the historic Washington Temple Church of God in Christ. He was ordained at the age of 10 and by 13, he had been appointed Youth Director of New Yorkโs Operation Breadbasketโthe economic arm to Dr. Kingโs Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).
National Youth Movement
Under the tutelage of his mentorsโthe Reverends Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., and William Augustus Jones, JrโReverend Sharpton honed his organizing and protest skills around economic and political boycotts and quickly emerged as a national figure. By the time he turned 16, Reverend Sharpton had founded the National Youth Movement, Inc, which organized young people around the country to push for increased voter registration, cultural awareness and job training programs.
National Action Network
A fierce believer in the philosophy of nonviolent, direct-action protest, Reverend Sharpton founded National Action Network in 1991 and headquartered the organization in Harlem, all the while serving from 1993 to 1998 as director of the Ministerโs Division for Reverend Jacksonโs Rainbow Push Coalition.
Political Strategist
An astute political strategist, Reverend Sharptonโs analysis and his endorsement is frequently sought by political candidates seeking public office. Reverend Sharptonโs foray into electoral politics resulted in historic and groundbreaking runs for the U.S. Senate in 1992 and 1994, and he nearly forced a runoff in the Democratic primary for mayor of New York City in 1997. His noteworthy presidential run in 2004 brought thousands of new voters into the electoral process and repositioned himself as a trusted progressive who centered critical issues like a living wage, gun reform and voting rights as a cornerstone of his campaign. In July 2004, at the request of the Democratic nominee, John F. Kerry, Reverend Sharpton delivered a rousing primetime speech at the Democratic National Convention in Boston.
Books and Awards
The author of three books, Reverend Sharpton is a frequent lecturer on civil rights and political issues and has lent his expertise to several corporate diversity councils at Pepsi, Walmart and Charter Communications. He has received numerous awards, including the Harold Washington Award from the Congressional Black Caucus. He was also honored with the โMandela Legacy Hope, Success & Empowerment Awardโ in recognition of his long history of achievements in advancing civil rights causes around the world. In 2017, he received the prestigious James Joyce award from the Literary and Historical Society of the University College in Dublin, Ireland.
Black Lives Matter (BLM)
At the forefront of the Black Lives Matter movement, Rev. Alโs moving eulogy at George Floydโs funeral is considered to be the most galvanizing moment of the movement so far.
Education
Educated in the New York City public schools, Reverend Sharpton attended Brooklyn College. He has received honorary doctorate degrees from Medgar Evers College, Fisk University, Tennessee State University, Bethune-Cookman University, Virginia Union University and Voorhees College.
Reverend Sharpton is the proud father of two daughters: Dominique and Ashley, and the grandfather of Marcus Al Sharpton Bright.
Al Sharpton Speaking Topics
Black Lives Matter
Curing Political Apathy
Al on America
Fight the Good Fight: Progressive Policies and Our Presidency
Go and Tell Pharaoh
What Social Responsibility Means Today
Al Sharpton Books
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Go and Tell Pharoah
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Al on America
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