Al Sharpton: Civil Rights Activist, Minister, and Media Personality

Al Sharpton: Civil Rights Activist, Minister, and Media Personality

Al Sharpton, born Alfred Charles Sharpton Jr. on October 3, 1954, in Brooklyn, New York, is an American civil rights activist, Baptist minister, and media personality. Ordained as a Pentecostal minister as a child, he has long combined faith and activism in community leadership roles. Source 1

Sharpton founded and presides over the National Action Network, a civil rights organization, and hosts PoliticsNation on MSNBC while maintaining a radio talk-show presence. He remains a prominent advocate for social justice and equality. Source 4

Recently, Sharpton delivered the eulogy at the funeral of 18-year-old Nolan Wells in Mississippi following a July 4 boat trip. He rejected accusations of profiting from the tragedy and offered a $5,000 reward to critics. Source 3

He has also commented on America’s 250th anniversary, stating it would be “crazy” for Black Americans to celebrate given slavery’s legacy. Sharpton stays active on Instagram (@real_sharpton) and Facebook, sharing updates on activism and community issues. Source 10