50 Facts About Al Sharpton

Early Life and Family Background

Al Sharpton's journey began in Brooklyn, New York, where he was born into a family with humble beginnings.

1. Alfred Charles Sharpton Jr. was born on October 3, 1954, in the Brownsville neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City.
2. His parents were Ada (née Richards) and Alfred Charles Sharpton Sr., with his father working as a carpenter and contractor, and his mother as a maid.
3. Sharpton has Cherokee roots and often speaks about the challenges he faced growing up in a low-income household.

Preaching and Early Activism

Sharpton's early years were marked by his deep involvement in preaching and activism, setting the stage for his future endeavors.

4. He began preaching at the age of four and was licensed and ordained as a Pentecostal minister at nine.
5. Sharpton attended Samuel J. Tilden High School in Brooklyn and later enrolled in Brooklyn College, dropping out after two years in 1975.
6. In 1972, he became the youth director for Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm's presidential campaign, marking his early political activism.
7. Between 1973 and 1980, Sharpton served as James Brown's tour manager, gaining valuable organizational skills and deepening his connection to African American culture.

National Youth Movement and FBI Informant

Sharpton's activism took a significant turn with the founding of the National Youth Movement and his controversial role as an FBI informant.

8. In 1971, Sharpton founded the National Youth Movement, aimed at registering young people to vote and providing job opportunities.
9. In January 1988, it was revealed that Sharpton had been an FBI informant on organized crime, public figures, and black civic leaders, sparking controversy.

High-Profile Cases and Controversies

Sharpton's involvement in high-profile cases and controversies has been a defining aspect of his career.

10. In 1987, he became the spokesman for the family of Tawana Brawley, a black teenager who falsely claimed she was abducted and raped by six white police officers.
11. In 1989, Sharpton was charged with 67 felony counts of tax evasion, larceny, and fraud, but was acquitted on all felony counts, pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge.
12. Sharpton supported the five black defendants in the Central Park jogger case, where a white female jogger was gang-raped and beaten. All convictions were overturned in 2002 when another man confessed to the crime.

National Action Network and Stabbing Incident

Sharpton's commitment to civil rights led to the founding of the National Action Network and a near-fatal stabbing incident.

13. In 1991, Sharpton founded the National Action Network (NAN), dedicated to exposing racial profiling and police brutality.
14. On January 12, 1991, Sharpton was stabbed in the chest during a protest march in Bensonhurst. He later filed a lawsuit against the NYPD, which was settled for $300,000 in 2003.

Political Career and Media Presence

Sharpton's political ambitions and media presence have made him a household name.

15. Sharpton ran for the U.S. Senate in New York in 1992 and 1994, for Mayor of New York City in 1997, and for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004.
16. In 2011, Sharpton became the host of "PoliticsNation" on MSNBC, providing political commentary and interviewing newsmakers.
17. He also hosts a three-hour weekday talk radio show, "Keepin' It Real," covering politics, social justice, and community issues.

Controversies and Criticisms

Throughout his career, Sharpton has faced numerous controversies and criticisms.

18. Sharpton has been accused of making homophobic, antisemitic, and racially insensitive remarks.
19. In 1991, he made anti-Semitic remarks during a protest in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, following the death of a 7-year-old black child.
20. In 2014, Sharpton gave one of two eulogies at the funeral of Michael Brown, criticizing police and urging protestors not to commit violence in Brown’s name.

Financial Issues and Publications

Sharpton's financial issues and literary contributions have also been notable aspects of his life.

21. In November 2014, The New York Times reported that Sharpton and his for-profit business owed more than $4.5 million in unpaid taxes.
22. Sharpton has written or co-written four books: "Go and Tell Pharaoh," "Al on America," "The Rejected Stone: Al Sharpton and the Path to American Leadership," and "Rise Up: Confronting a Country at the Crossroads".

Civil Rights Leadership and Legacy

Sharpton's legacy as a civil rights leader is marked by his unwavering commitment to social justice.

23. Sharpton has been a prominent figure in the civil rights movement, following in the footsteps of Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. and Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr.
24. In 1999, he orchestrated a massive protest when police shot unarmed Amadou Diallo 42 times.
25. In 2001, Sharpton protested the U.S. Navy's bombing of the Puerto Rican island of Vieques.

Personal Life and Interests

Sharpton's personal life and interests provide a glimpse into the man behind the activism.

26. Sharpton has been married twice: first to Kathy Lee Jordan in 1980, with whom he has two children, Ashley and Dominique, and then to Marsha Tinsley for less than a year.
27. He has modeled his hairstyle on James Brown’s iconic look and has been influenced by gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.
28. Sharpton’s favorite quote is “Keep The Faith,” reflecting his commitment to perseverance and faith.
29. His favorite color is red, often seen in his wardrobe and public appearances.
30. Fried chicken is his favorite food, a common preference among many Americans.
31. Spring is his favorite time of year, symbolizing renewal and new beginnings.
32. The Caribbean is his favorite vacation spot, providing a relaxing escape from his demanding life.

Influence and Future Plans

Sharpton's influence on African American politics and his future plans highlight his ongoing commitment to social justice.

33. Sharpton’s influence on African American politics is significant, working closely with prominent figures like Jesse Jackson.
34. He developed a close bond with James Brown, eventually recording the record "God Smiled on Me" with him.
35. In the 1970s and early 1980s, Sharpton worked as a youth organizer with boxing promoter Don King.
36. Sharpton’s involvement in the entertainment industry has been multifaceted, highlighting the intersection of music, politics, and social activism.
37. During the 1980s, Sharpton continued to focus on activism while exploring other interests.
38. Sharpton’s commitment to activism has been unwavering, emphasizing self-affirmation and the expression of emotions.
39. He has garnered significant public support for his causes, highlighting the importance of community involvement.
40. Sharpton shares his philosophy on aiming high, emphasizing ambitious goals for meaningful change.
41. He has described his plans for the future, focusing on building a national multi-cultural, multi-racial movement.

Legacy and Impact

Sharpton's legacy is complex, marked by both achievements and controversies, but his impact on American society is undeniable.

42. Sharpton commands significant respect from and influence within the mainstream Democratic Party.
43. As of late 2018, Sharpton’s salary for his role as president of NAN was $244,761.
44. His reported annual salary from MSNBC was at least $750,000 as of 2016.
45. Sharpton also hosts a three-hour weekday talk radio show, with a substantial salary given his national syndication.
46. Sharpton’s civil rights legacy is deeply rooted in his commitment to direct-action and civil disobedience campaigns.
47. His influence on African American politics is significant, working closely with prominent figures like Jesse Jackson.
48. Sharpton developed a close bond with James Brown, eventually recording the record "God Smiled on Me" with him.
49. In the 1970s and early 1980s, Sharpton worked as a youth organizer with boxing promoter Don King.
50. Sharpton’s involvement in the entertainment industry has been multifaceted, highlighting the intersection of music, politics, and social activism.

Al Sharpton's Impact and Legacy

Al Sharpton's life is a blend of activism, controversy, and dedication to civil rights. From his early days as a child preacher to his role as a prominent civil rights leader, Sharpton has always been in the spotlight. His work with the National Action Network and his involvement in high-profile cases like the Tawana Brawley incident and the Central Park jogger case have cemented his place in American history. Despite facing criticism and legal issues, Sharpton's commitment to social justice remains unwavering. His influence extends beyond activism into politics, media, and even the entertainment industry. Sharpton's legacy is complex, marked by both significant achievements and controversies. Yet, his contributions to the fight for racial equality and social justice are undeniable. He continues to inspire future generations, proving that one person's dedication can indeed make a difference.