Early Life and Education of Al Sharpton: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Al Sharpton, highlighting the experiences that shaped 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

October 3, 1954: Alfred Sharpton Jr. Born

On October 3, 1954, Alfred Charles Sharpton Jr. was born. He would later become a civil rights and social justice activist, Baptist minister, radio talk show host, and TV personality, as well as the founder of the National Action Network civil rights organization.

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1963: Family Relocation to Brownsville

In 1963, Sharpton's father left his wife, leading the family to move from middle-class Hollis, Queens, to public housing projects in Brownsville, Brooklyn, due to financial constraints.

1971: Meeting Kathy Jordan

In 1971, Al Sharpton met Kathy Jordan, who was a backing singer for James Brown, while touring with the artist.

1975: Dropping Out of Brooklyn College

In 1975, Al Sharpton dropped out of Brooklyn College after attending for two years.

1980: Marriage to Kathy Jordan

In 1980, Al Sharpton married Kathy Jordan.

December 22, 1984: Protests Against Goetz Acquittal

On December 22, 1984, Bernhard Goetz shot four African-American men on a New York City Subway. Al Sharpton led marches protesting the outcome of the trial in the Goetz case, where he was acquitted of most charges.

December 20, 1986: Howard Beach Assault

On December 20, 1986, three African-American men were assaulted in Howard Beach, Queens, leading to the death of Michael Griffith after being struck by a passing vehicle. This event spurred protests.

1988: Run for Senate

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

1988: Altercation on The Morton Downey Jr. Show

In 1988, during an appearance on The Morton Downey Jr. Show, Al Sharpton and Congress of Racial Equality National Chairman Roy Innis had a heated argument about the Tawana Brawley case, resulting in Innis shoving Sharpton to the floor.

August 23, 1989: Bensonhurst Attack and Death of Yusef Hawkins

On August 23, 1989, Yusef Hawkins, a 16-year-old African-American teenager, was shot and killed in Bensonhurst. Al Sharpton was involved in protests against this act of racial violence.

May 1990: Led Protest in Bensonhurst

In May 1990, Al Sharpton led a protest through Bensonhurst after one of the leaders of the mob involved in Yusef Hawkins' death was acquitted of the most serious charges.

January 12, 1991: Stabbing Attempt on Sharpton

On January 12, 1991, neighborhood resident Michael Riccardi tried to kill Al Sharpton by stabbing him in the chest before a demonstration in Bensonhurst. Sharpton recovered from his wounds.

January 1991: Planned Another March in Bensonhurst

In January 1991, Al Sharpton planned another march for January 12, 1991 in Bensonhurst, following light sentences given to other members of the gang involved in Yusef Hawkins' death.

August 19, 1991: Start of Crown Heights Riot

On August 19, 1991, the Crown Heights riot began after a car accident led to the death of Gavin Cato. The riot involved looting, violence, and clashes between black and Jewish residents, as well as the stabbing of Yankel Rosenbaum.

1992: Run for Senate

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

1992: Riccardi's Conviction

In 1992, Riccardi was convicted of first-degree assault, and Al Sharpton asked the judge for leniency during sentencing.

1994: Run for Senate

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

1994: Re-baptism as Baptist

In 1994, Al Sharpton was re-baptized as a member of the Bethany Baptist Church by the Reverend William Augustus Jones, becoming a Baptist minister.

December 8, 1995: Freddie's Fashion Mart Shooting

On December 8, 1995, Roland J. Smith Jr., a protester, attacked Freddie's Fashion Mart, shooting customers and setting the store on fire, resulting in multiple deaths and his own suicide.

1995: Freddie's Fashion Mart Protest

In 1995, Al Sharpton led a protest against the planned eviction of The Record Shack, a black-owned record store, by Freddie's Fashion Mart. Sharpton's rhetoric during the protest was later criticized.

1997: Run for Mayor of New York City

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

December 1998: Tyisha Miller's Death

In December 1998, Tyisha Miller, a 19-year-old African-American woman, was fatally shot by police officers in Riverside, California, prompting protests led by Al Sharpton in May 1999.

May 1999: Tyisha Miller Protests and Arrest

In May 1999, Al Sharpton, along with Jesse Jackson, protested the fatal police shooting of Tyisha Miller in Riverside, California. Sharpton was arrested during these protests, which blocked traffic on SR 91.

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.

1999: Amadou Diallo Protests

In 1999, Al Sharpton led protests to raise awareness about the death of Amadou Diallo, an immigrant from Guinea, who was shot dead by NYPD officers.

1999: Comparison to Amadou Diallo Killing

The Sean Bell shooting on November 25, 2006 drew comparisons to the 1999 killing of Amadou Diallo due to the involvement of NYPD officers and subsequent protests.

January 8, 2001: Riccardi's Release

On January 8, 2001, Riccardi was released on parole after serving ten years in prison for first-degree assault, after Al Sharpton asked the judge for leniency.

May 25, 2001: Imprisonment at Metropolitan Detention Center

On May 25, 2001, Al Sharpton was imprisoned at Metropolitan Detention Center, Brooklyn after being held in a Puerto Rican lockup for two days.

August 17, 2001: Release from Metropolitan Detention Center

On August 17, 2001, Al Sharpton was released from Metropolitan Detention Center after serving 90 days for trespassing charges.

2002: Ousmane Zongo Protests

In 2002, Al Sharpton was involved in protests following the death of Ousmane Zongo, an unarmed West African immigrant who was shot by an undercover police officer in Manhattan. He met with the family and provided legal services.

December 2003: Settlement with New York City

In December 2003, Al Sharpton reached a $200,000 settlement with New York City after filing suit alleging the police failed to protect him from his attacker. The settlement occurred just as jury selection was about to begin.

2004: Separation from Kathy Jordan

In 2004, Al Sharpton and Kathy Jordan separated.

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.

January 1, 2005: Campaign Debts

As of January 1, 2005, Al Sharpton's campaign had debts of $479,050 and owed Sharpton himself $145,146 for "Fundraising Letter Preparation — Kinko's".

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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November 25, 2006: Sean Bell Shooting

On November 25, 2006, Sean Bell was fatally shot by plainclothes detectives in Queens, New York, sparking public criticism of the police and drawing comparisons to the 1999 killing of Amadou Diallo.

February 2007: Discovery of Ancestry

In February 2007, genealogist Megan Smolenyak discovered that Al Sharpton's great-grandfather, Coleman Sharpton, was a slave owned by Julia Thurmond, whose grandfather was Strom Thurmond's great-great-grandfather.

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.

March 11, 2008: Press Conference on Dunbar Village Rape Case

On March 11, 2008, Al Sharpton held a press conference highlighting what he described as unequal treatment in a high-profile rape case in West Palm Beach, Florida.

May 7, 2008: Sean Bell Case Protests and Arrests

On May 7, 2008, Al Sharpton coordinated peaceful protests at major river crossings in New York City in response to the acquittals of officers in the Sean Bell case. Sharpton and about 200 others were arrested.

2008: Presidential Race

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

2008: Trial of Detectives in Sean Bell Case

In 2008, the trial for three of the five detectives involved in the Sean Bell shooting took place, with charges ranging from manslaughter to reckless endangerment. All were found not guilty.

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.

June 2011: Support for Tanya McDowell

In June 2011, Al Sharpton spoke at a rally in support of Tanya McDowell, who was arrested for allegedly registering her son for kindergarten in the wrong school district.

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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2012: Sharpton Leads Protests After Trayvon Martin Killing

In 2012, following the killing of Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman, Al Sharpton led protests criticizing the Sanford Police Department's handling of the case and demanded Zimmerman's arrest. Sharpton argued that Zimmerman's actions were not justifiable, stating, "You cannot defend yourself against a pack of Skittles and iced tea." The protests and Sharpton's involvement drew criticism and support, highlighting the racial tensions surrounding the case.

July 2013: Relationship with Aisha McShaw

In July 2013, it was reported that Al Sharpton had a relationship with Aisha McShaw while still married to Kathy Jordan.

July 2014: Sharpton Organizes Protest After Eric Garner's Death

In July 2014, following the death of Eric Garner by a New York City Police Department officer, Al Sharpton organized a peaceful protest in Staten Island. Sharpton condemned the police's use of a chokehold on Garner, stating that "there is no justification" for it. He initially planned a protest involving a drive over the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge but later opted for a peaceful march along Bay Street, where Garner died, drawing over 5,000 participants.

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.

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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August 2017: Sharpton Calls for Removal of Jefferson Memorial

In August 2017, Al Sharpton called for the federal government to cease maintaining the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C., due to Thomas Jefferson's history as a slave owner. He argued that taxpayer funds should not support monuments to individuals who enslaved people.

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.

June 4, 2020: Sharpton Delivers Eulogy at George Floyd's Funeral

On June 4, 2020, Al Sharpton delivered a eulogy at the funeral of George Floyd, calling for justice for Floyd and criticizing President Donald Trump's response to the situation.

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.