Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Al Sharpton

How Al Sharpton built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Al Sharpton is a prominent American civil rights and social justice activist, Baptist minister, radio talk show host, and TV personality. He founded the National Action Network, a leading civil rights organization. Sharpton ran for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004. He currently hosts the nationally syndicated radio show 'Keepin' It Real' and is a political analyst and weekend host for MSNBC's 'PoliticsNation,' solidifying his presence as a key voice in American political and social discourse.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1969: Youth Director of Operation Breadbasket

In 1969, Jesse Jackson appointed Al Sharpton as the youth director of the New York City branch of Operation Breadbasket, which focused on improving job opportunities for African Americans.

1971: Founded National Youth Movement

In 1971, Al Sharpton founded the National Youth Movement to provide resources for impoverished youth.

1972: Youth Director for Shirley Chisholm Campaign

In 1972, Al Sharpton accepted the position of youth director for Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm's presidential campaign.

1973: James Brown's Tour Manager

In 1973, Al Sharpton started working as James Brown's tour manager.

1980: End of Tour Management with James Brown

In 1980, Al Sharpton's tenure as James Brown's tour manager came to an end.

1988: Run for Senate

In 1988, Al Sharpton ran for a United States Senate seat from New York.

1991: Founded National Action Network

In 1991, Al Sharpton founded the National Action Network (NAN), an organization focused on voter education, poverty services, and supporting small community businesses.

1992: Run for Senate

In 1992, Al Sharpton ran for a United States Senate seat from New York.

1994: Run for Senate

In 1994, Al Sharpton ran for a United States Senate seat from New York.

1997: Run for Mayor of New York City

In 1997, Al Sharpton ran for Mayor of New York City.

1999: Appearance in Documentary

In 1999, Al Sharpton appeared in a documentary about black nationalism hosted by Louis Theroux, as part of the "Weird Weekends" series.

2004: Presidential Campaign

In 2004, Al Sharpton participated in a presidential campaign.

2004: Candidacy for U.S. Presidential Election

In 2004, Al Sharpton was a candidate for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. presidential election.

2004: Sharpton Supports Gay Rights During Presidential Campaign

In 2004, during his presidential campaign, Al Sharpton expressed support for equal rights for gays and lesbians and same-sex marriage. He stated that it was insulting to even be asked about gay marriage, comparing it to asking if he supports black marriage or white marriage, implying that gays are equally human. Sharpton also began leading a movement to eliminate homophobia within the Black church.

June 2005: Contract with Matrix Media

In June 2005, Al Sharpton signed a contract with Matrix Media to produce and host a live two-hour daily talk program, but it never aired.

November 2005: Contract with Radio One

In November 2005, Al Sharpton signed with Radio One to host a daily national talk radio program.

December 15, 2005: Agreement to Repay Public Funds

On December 15, 2005, Al Sharpton agreed to repay $100,000 in public funds he received from the federal government for his 2004 presidential campaign due to exceeding federal limits on personal expenditures.

2005: Appearance at the Tony Awards

During the 2005 Tony Awards, Al Sharpton appeared in a number put on by the cast of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

2005: Fernando Ferrer Campaign Appearance

In 2005, Al Sharpton appeared in television ads for the Fernando Ferrer campaign for the New York City mayoral election.

January 30, 2006: Debut of Keepin It Real with Al Sharpton

On January 30, 2006, Al Sharpton's daily national talk radio program, Keepin It Real with Al Sharpton, began airing on Radio One.

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September 2007: Sharpton on the Importance of a Black President

In September 2007, Sharpton stated that having a Black president would be a significant moment, but emphasized the importance of the candidate supporting interests that would help the Black community. He noted that he was warming up to Barack Obama but was not yet fully supportive.

2007: Decision Not to Run for President

In 2007, Al Sharpton announced that he would not enter the 2008 presidential race.

2007: Public Debate with Christopher Hitchens

In 2007, Al Sharpton participated in a public debate with atheist writer Christopher Hitchens, defending his religious faith and belief in God.

2008: Presidential Race

Al Sharpton said in 2007 that he would not enter the 2008 presidential race.

2008: Michael Hardy Becomes General Counsel of National Action Network

In 2008, Michael Hardy, previously Executive Vice President, became General Counsel of Al Sharpton's National Action Network.

2009: FEC Fine

In 2009, the Federal Election Commission announced a $285,000 fine against Al Sharpton's 2004 presidential campaign team for breaking campaign finance rules.

August 28, 2010: March on Washington Commemoration

On August 28, 2010, Al Sharpton and other civil rights leaders led a march to commemorate the 47th anniversary of the historic March on Washington.

August 29, 2011: Host of PoliticsNation

On August 29, 2011, Al Sharpton became the host of PoliticsNation, which originally aired weeknights during the 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time hour on MSNBC.

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2014: Sharpton Pushes for Criminal Justice Reform

In 2014, Al Sharpton began advocating for criminal justice reform, emphasizing the disproportionate representation of Black people in arrests and incarcerations within America.

2014: Sharpton as Obama's Advisor on Racial Issues

In 2014, Sharpton was described by Glenn Thrush of Politico as an advisor to President Barack Obama and Obama's go-to person on racial issues, marking a significant role for Sharpton in the political landscape.

October 2015: PoliticsNation Moved to Sunday Mornings

In October 2015, the program PoliticsNation, hosted by Al Sharpton, was moved to Sunday mornings and reduced to one hour per week. He continues to be a regular contributor to Morning Joe.

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2016: Launch of Grace Church Websites

In 2016, Boise Kimber, an associate of Al Sharpton, and Don Vaccaro launched Grace Church Websites, a non-profit organization that helps churches create websites.

August 28, 2017: Sharpton Organizes Ministers March for Justice

On August 28, 2017, Al Sharpton organized the Ministers March for Justice in Washington, D.C., to deliver a "unified moral rebuke" to President Donald Trump. The march, coinciding with the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech, brought together several thousand religious leaders from various faiths.

April 20, 2021: Sharpton Leads Prayer After Derek Chauvin's Conviction

On April 20, 2021, following the conviction of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, Al Sharpton led a prayer with the Floyd family in Minneapolis, marking a moment of reflection and hope for justice.

December 2022: Sharpton Hosts 15 Days of Light Celebration

In December 2022, Al Sharpton, along with other leaders, hosted "15 Days of Light," a unifying holiday ceremony at Carnegie Hall celebrating Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. This event was aimed at addressing the increasing instances of racism and antisemitism in the United States.

February 2, 2023: Sharpton Delivers Eulogy at Tyre Nichols' Funeral

On February 2, 2023, Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy at the funeral of Tyre Nichols. He, alongside Vice President Kamala Harris, urged lawmakers to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act and implement other police reforms.