Al Sharpton

Birth Name:

Alfred Charles Sharpton

Birth Place:

Brooklyn, New York, United States

Profession

Actor, Writer, Producer, Soundtrack

Founded the non-profit civil rights organization, the National Action Network
In 1971, in an effort to help raise money for disadvantaged youths, he founded the National Youth Movement
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․"

Fast Facts