Al Sharpton

Profile Summary: Al Sharpton

Full Name: Alfred Charles Sharpton Jr. (Al Sharpton)
Birthdate: October 3, 1954
Age: 69 years old (as of 2025)
Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Cherokee
Zodiac Sign: Libra ♎

Early Life & Family

• Parents:
  • Father: Alfred Charles Sharpton Sr., a Brooklyn-based businessman who left the family and had an affair with his stepdaughter.
  • Mother: Ada Richards, a single mother who raised Al and his siblings.
• Siblings:
  • Brother: Kenneth Sharpton Glasgow
  • Sisters: Cheryl Sharpton and Ernestine Sharpton
• Childhood:
  • Grew up in New York City, where he became involved in civil rights movements at a young age.
  • Developed his commanding speaking skills as a child preacher, delivering sermons at the age of 10.

Education

• Attended Samuel J. Tilden High School in Brooklyn.
• Enrolled at Brooklyn College but dropped out after two years in 1975 to focus on activism and ministry.

Career Highlights

• Early Activism:
  • Became involved in civil rights protests during his teenage years, advocating for equality between Black and White Americans.
  • Founded the National Action Network (NAN) in 1981, an organization aimed at increasing voter education, supporting small businesses, and providing services to those in poverty.
• Civil Rights Advocacy:
  • Known as a vocal advocate against racial prejudice and injustice, leading protests and rallies for high-profile cases like:
    • The death of Amadou Diallo (1999), an immigrant shot by NYPD officers.
    • The shooting of Trayvon Martin (2012), criticizing the Sanford Police Department’s handling of the case.
  • Arrested in 2001 for trespassing while protesting U.S. military exercises in Puerto Rico near a Navy bombing site.
  • Highlighted unequal treatment in cases like the Dunbar Village Housing Projects rape case (2008 ).
• Political Career:
  • Ran for various political offices but was not elected to any position.
  • Stated that holding political office might not have been his ultimate goal.
• Media Presence:
  • Hosted a talk show, using his platform to discuss social justice issues.
  • Frequently appeared on national media outlets like MSNBC.

Personal Life

• Marriage:
  • Married Kathy Jordan in 1980; they met when Sharpton was touring with James Brown in 1971.
  • Together, they have two daughters: Dominique Sharpton and Ashley Sharpton.
  • The couple separated in 2004 after 24 years of marriage, but have not legally divorced.
• Relationships:
  • Dated actress LisaRaye McCoy
  • Currently in a relationship with Aisha McShaw, a woman 23 years younger than him, which sparked criticism.
• Residence:
  • Resides in New York City, continuing his activism and community work.

Trivia/Fun Facts

• Activism Roots: Began his activism at a young age, participating in protests and civil rights movements during his school years.
• Preacher at 10: Delivered sermons as a child preacher, showcasing his early talent for public speaking.
• Controversial Relationships: His relationship with Aisha McShaw drew criticism due to their significant age difference.
• Financial Issues: In 2014, Sharpton and his businesses owed $4.7 million in taxes, though he has since paid off over $2 million of the debt.

Controversies

• Anti-Semitic Rhetoric: Criticized for past remarks perceived as anti-Semitic, particularly amid discussions of his influence in Democratic politics.
• Harsh Language: Known for his outspoken nature, which has sometimes led to backlash.
• Tax and Financial Issues: The New York Times reported in 2020 that Sharpton had “regularly sidestepped obligations most people see as inevitable, like taxes, rent, and other bills.”
• Criticism from Opponents: Some critics describe him as a “political radical” who has contributed to the deterioration of race relations.

Legacy

Al Sharpton is a polarizing yet influential figure in the fight for civil rights and social justice. As a Baptist minister, activist, and founder of the National Action Network, he has dedicated his life to addressing racial inequality and advocating for marginalized communities.

His leadership in high-profile cases like the deaths of Amadou Diallo and Trayvon Martin has solidified his role as a prominent voice against systemic racism and police brutality. Despite facing criticism for his financial practices and controversial statements, Sharpton remains a steadfast advocate for change.

As a talk show host and political figure, Sharpton continues to use his platform to highlight injustices and inspire action. His legacy is one of resilience, passion, and unwavering commitment to the fight for equality, making him a pivotal figure in modern civil rights history. 🌟✊✨