Al Sharpton

Who Is Al Sharpton?

Al Sharpton is a prominent political activist, ordained minister, and media personality known for his outspoken stance on issues related to racial prejudice and injustice. Ordained in the Pentecostal church at a young age, Sharpton has dedicated much of his life to advocating for civil rights. He founded the National Youth Movement (NYM) in 1971 and has become an influential figure in American politics and social movements. Sharpton has run for various political offices, including U.S. Senate, New York Mayor, and even as a candidate for president. His bold style has brought both support and controversy, and he has hosted his own MSNBC show, PoliticsNation, since 2011.

Early Life

Born Alfred Charles Sharpton Jr. on October 3, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York, Sharpton displayed an early gift for public speaking. He became an ordained minister at just 10 years old and was known for his fervent preaching. Sharpton’s involvement in civil rights began in the 1960s when he joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) as a teenager. He became the youth director for Operation Breadbasket, a program that pushed for workplace diversity through economic and social pressure. Sharpton also participated in protests against racial discrimination, including those targeting A&P supermarkets in the early 1970s.

Sharpton graduated from Samuel J. Tilden High School in 1972 and briefly attended Brooklyn College, where he studied contemporary politics before dropping out. Despite his academic departure, Sharpton remained politically active, eventually founding the National Youth Movement (NYM) in the early 1970s. In the 1980s, Sharpton became involved in high-profile cases in New York, advocating for justice in the wake of racial incidents, including the murder of Michael Griffith, a Black teenager, in 1986.

The Brawley Controversy

Sharpton’s reputation took a hit following his involvement in the controversial Tawana Brawley case in 1987. Brawley, a Black teenager, claimed to have been raped by a group of white men, some of whom were allegedly police officers. The case was dismissed by a grand jury, which concluded that Brawley had fabricated the story. Despite this, Sharpton continued to champion the case, resulting in a media frenzy. He was later sued for making defamatory statements and was found guilty, resulting in a fine. The Brawley case remains one of the most contentious chapters in Sharpton’s career, deeply affecting his public image.

In the years that followed, Sharpton faced additional legal challenges, including charges of embezzlement from his own organization, though he was acquitted in 1990. Despite these controversies, Sharpton remained steadfast in his activism, continuing to organize protests and give press conferences. In 1991, while leading a demonstration in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, Sharpton was stabbed but made a full recovery after surgery.

FBI Informant Allegations

In April 2014, the Smoking Gun website revealed that Sharpton had served as a paid FBI informant during the 1980s. His work with law enforcement played a key role in taking down the Genovese crime family. Sharpton defended his actions, stating, “Rats are usually people that were with other rats. I was not and am not a rat, because I wasn’t with the rats. I’m a cat. I chased rats.”

Running for Public Office

Sharpton’s political aspirations extended beyond activism. He made several attempts to run for public office, including a bid for the New York State Assembly in 1978. He ran for U.S. Senate in 1992 and 1994, and in 1997, he campaigned for mayor of New York City. Sharpton’s most high-profile political run came in 2004, when he sought the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. Despite his efforts, he was unable to secure enough support to become a serious contender.

Throughout his career, Sharpton has maintained a reputation as a fierce advocate for civil rights, a role that has garnered both praise and criticism. His activism, controversies, and media presence have made him a significant figure in American politics and culture.

MSNBC and Radio Show

Reverend Al Sharpton, a prominent public figure and activist, has made significant strides in addressing social and political issues through his television and radio platforms. Since 2011, he has hosted PoliticsNation on MSNBC, where he shares his insights on current affairs. Additionally, Sharpton is the host of his own syndicated radio show, Keepin’ It Real. His commitment to activism remains central to his work, as he actively participates in protests and advocacy surrounding police-related incidents, notably the deaths of Michael Brown in Missouri and Eric Garner in New York. Sharpton worked alongside Garner’s family to press for a federal civil rights investigation into his death. His activism extends to his alliance with New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, and he played a pivotal role in organizing the National Action Network’s 2014 convention, which featured an address from President Barack Obama.

Despite facing personal and professional challenges, including a controversial New York Times story about tax liabilities and distancing himself from Sanford Rubenstein, a litigator associated with the National Action Network (NAN) accused of sexual assault, Sharpton’s resolve remains steadfast. He continues to support causes in the African American community, such as the rebuilding efforts in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Activism Amid Criticism

Sharpton’s activism is often a subject of debate, with both supporters and critics acknowledging his influence in the public sphere. He is known for his sharp media presence, earning a reputation as a master of the sound bite. However, some argue that his dramatic approach detracts from the serious causes he champions, suggesting that his media savvy sometimes serves his personal agenda. Nevertheless, Sharpton remains focused on key issues, including the high-profile cases of Michael Jackson, Trayvon Martin, and George Floyd.

In 2009, Sharpton led a memorial for Michael Jackson at Harlem’s Apollo Theater, where he praised Jackson as a “trailblazer” and a “historic figure.” Sharpton also became deeply involved in the fight for justice in the Trayvon Martin case, organizing peaceful rallies in Florida to address racial profiling after Martin was killed by George Zimmerman in 2012. His calls for non-violence and justice, rather than revenge, were crucial in preventing the situation from escalating into further racial unrest.

In June 2020, Sharpton delivered an emotional speech at George Floyd’s memorial, highlighting the systemic issues of police brutality that led to Floyd’s tragic death.

Sharpton on Trump

Sharpton’s relationship with Donald Trump spans over three decades, and the two have had a contentious connection. As a New York native, Sharpton has been outspoken in his criticism of Trump, particularly after the latter became President in 2016. In November 2017, Sharpton penned a strong critique of Trump for NBCNews.com, condemning his divisive rhetoric and lack of growth in office. Sharpton’s disapproval intensified after Trump’s derogatory comments about African countries and Haiti in January 2018, which Sharpton decried as racist. “If you’re comfortable in selling racism, then you are in fact that,” he said, emphasizing that one doesn’t need to make overtly racist statements to be considered racist.

Personal Life

Sharpton has two daughters, Dominique and Ashley, from his previous marriage to Kathy Jordan. The couple later separated. In 2013, reports revealed that Sharpton was in a relationship with stylist Aisha McShaw.

Weight Loss Journey

Sharpton’s personal transformation is equally notable. Once weighing 305 pounds, he lost 176 pounds over a span of more than four years, ultimately reaching a weight of 129 pounds by 2014. Sharpton attributes his success to a disciplined approach to health, focusing on healthy eating, portion control, and regular exercise, without the aid of surgery. His remarkable weight loss journey has become an inspiring example of perseverance and self-care.