Al Sharpton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Al Sharpton
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Sharpton in 2023
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| Born |
Alfred Charles Sharpton Jr.
October 3, 1954 New York City, U.S.
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| Occupation | Baptist minister Civil rights/social justice activist Radio and television talk show host |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) |
Kathy Jordan
(m. 1980; separated 2004) |
| Children | 2 |
Alfred Charles Sharpton Jr. (born October 3, 1954) is an American civil rights and social justice activist. He is also a Baptist minister, a radio talk show host, and a TV personality. Sharpton started the National Action Network, a civil rights group. In 2004, he ran to become the Democratic candidate for the U.S. president. He hosts a radio show called Keepin' It Real. He also works as a political expert and host for MSNBC on a show called PoliticsNation.
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Al Sharpton's Early Life
Alfred Charles Sharpton Jr. was born in Brownsville, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York City. His parents were Ada and Alfred Charles Sharpton Sr. He gave his first sermon when he was only four years old. He even toured with the famous gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.
In 1963, his father left the family. His mother, Ada, worked as a maid, but they did not earn much money. The family received welfare to help them. They had to move from Hollis, a middle-class area, to public housing in Brownsville.
Sharpton finished school at Samuel J. Tilden High School in Brooklyn. He then went to Brooklyn College for two years. In 1972, he became the youth director for Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm's presidential campaign. From 1973 to 1980, Sharpton worked as the tour manager for singer James Brown.
Working for Change: Al Sharpton's Activism
In 1969, Jesse Jackson chose Sharpton to be the youth director for Operation Breadbasket in New York City. This group worked to create better jobs for African Americans.
In 1971, Sharpton started the National Youth Movement. This group helped raise money for young people who were struggling.
The National Action Network
In 1991, Sharpton started the National Action Network (NAN). This group helps people learn about voting. It also helps people in poverty and supports small businesses in communities. In 2016, a group connected to NAN launched Grace Church Websites. This non-profit helps churches create their own websites.
Commemorating the March on Washington
On August 28, 2010, Sharpton and other civil rights leaders led a march. They were remembering the 47th anniversary of the important March on Washington. Thousands of people gathered at Dunbar High School in Washington, D.C. They then marched five miles to the National Mall.
Working with President Obama
In 2014, a writer from Politico magazine called Sharpton an "adviser" to President Barack Obama. He was seen as Obama's main contact for issues about race.
Ministers March for Justice
On August 28, 2017, Sharpton organized the Ministers March for Justice. This was the 54th anniversary of the March on Washington. On that day, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Sharpton brought thousands of religious leaders to Washington, D.C. They wanted to speak out together against President Donald Trump. Many Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh leaders were there.
Celebrating Kwanzaa and Hanukkah Together
In December 2022, Sharpton joined with other leaders to fight racism and antisemitism. They hosted "15 Days of Light" at Carnegie Hall. This event celebrated Hanukkah and Kwanzaa together. Sharpton said it was important for Black and Jewish people to remember their struggles. He believes that to fight for anyone, you must fight for everyone.
Al Sharpton's Personal Life
In 1971, while touring with James Brown, Sharpton met Kathy Jordan. She was a backing singer. Sharpton and Jordan got married in 1980. They separated in 2004. They have two daughters named Ashley and Dominique.
Sharpton is an honorary member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.
His Religious Journey
Sharpton became a Pentecostal minister when he was nine or ten years old. Bishop F. D. Washington licensed and ordained him. After Bishop Washington passed away, Sharpton became a Baptist. He was re-baptized in 1994 and became a Baptist minister.
In 2007, Sharpton had a public discussion with atheist writer Christopher Hitchens. Sharpton defended his religious beliefs and his belief in God.
Al Sharpton's Political Campaigns
Sharpton has run for elected office several times but has not won. He once said that winning might not have been his main goal. He explained that he might have run to change discussions or to bring up social justice issues.
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He ran for a United States Senate seat from New York in 1988, 1992, and 1994. In 1997, he ran for Mayor of New York City. In 2004, he was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.
Al Sharpton on TV
Sharpton has appeared in movies like Bamboozled, Mr. Deeds, and Malcolm X. He has also been on TV shows such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Boston Legal. He hosted a show called I Hate My Job and an episode of Saturday Night Live.
In 1988, Sharpton was on The Morton Downey Jr. Show. He had a heated argument with Congress of Racial Equality Chairman Roy Innis.
In 1999, Sharpton was in a documentary about Black nationalism. It was part of the Weird Weekends series.
Hosting TV and Radio Shows
In 2006, Sharpton began hosting a daily national talk radio program called Keepin It Real with Al Sharpton.
On August 29, 2011, Sharpton became the host of PoliticsNation on MSNBC. This show first aired on weeknights. In October 2015, the show moved to Sunday mornings. He also often appears on Morning Joe.
Al Sharpton's Books
Sharpton has written or helped write four books:
- Go and Tell Pharaoh (with Nick Chiles)
- Al on America
- The Rejected Stone: Al Sharpton and the Path to American Leadership
- Rise Up: Confronting a Country at the Crossroads
Images for kids
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Rev. Al Sharpton outside of New York City Police Department Headquarters, 1999
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Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn, where Sharpton was imprisoned
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Talk show host Michael Baisden and Al Sharpton, at the front of the September 20, 2007, march in Jena, Louisiana
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Sharpton attending the 2008 Democratic National Convention
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Sharpton watches as President Barack Obama signs an executive order on July 26, 2012
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See also
In Spanish: Al Sharpton para niños
- List of civil rights leaders
- Abner Louima
