Al Sharpton Biography

Fast Facts

• In 1971, in an effort to help raise money for disadvantaged youths, he founded the National Youth Movement
• Founded the non-profit civil rights organization, the National Action Network
• In 2012, he was awarded the Humanitarian Award at the BET Awards
• Received honorary doctorate degrees from Virginia Union University and Bethune Cookman College in 2012
• Became an ordained Pentecostal minister by the age of 10 years old
• Quote: "Sometimes you just have to live long enough for your message to catch up․"
• Is primarily known for giving political commentary on civil rights issues
• Once toured around the country with famed gospel singer Mahalia Jackson
• Was the inspiration for the character Reverend Bacon in the book "The Bonfire of the Vanities․"