Rev. Al Sharpton Calls Out and Calls On the Black Community at Spirit of Democracy Awards
The charisma and superior oratorical skills of Rev. Al Sharpton helped lighten the blow as he delivered a painfully honest message about the Black community to over 400 guests attending The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation’s (The National Coalition) recent Spirit of Democracy Awards Gala in Washington DC. The outspoken civil rights leader was among six esteemed individuals honored for their commitment to creating balance in the democratic process.
At times quite humorous, Rev. Sharpton chastised Black leaders who are unable to work together, and criticized people that don’t get more involved in their community. “How are we as Black people going to tell the crips and the bloods to stop fighting and Black leaders are acting like gang bangers?” Addressing the need for civic participation he added, “The hardest job for a Black preacher is to preach the funeral of an irrelevant Negro.”
The intergenerational gala was hosted by former New York prosecutor and TV personality, Star Jones and included a tribute to the late Dr. Ronald Walters, a renown political scientist and a founderof The National Coalition. Long-time National Coalition events manager, Ruby Pulliam, was also recognized during the event. Guests included leaders from civil rights, government, labor, and the faith communities. The 2011Spirit Award honorees are:
Dennis Van Roekel, president, National Education Association, was presented with the Educational Innovation and EmpowermentAward by Arlene Holt-Baker, the executive vice president of AFL-CIO.
Randi Weingarten, president, American Federation of Teachers, was presented with the Educational Innovation and EmpowermentAward by Ms. Holt-Baker.
Yelberton Watkins, chief of staff, Congressman James Clyburn’s Office, was given the Emerging Leader Award byMr. Lyndon Boozer,Vice President, AT & T Federal Affairs.
Wade Henderson, president and CEO, Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights was presented with the Trailblazer Award by Howard E. Woolley Senior Vice President, Strategic Alliances and Wireless Policy at Verizon Communications.
Minyon Moore, principal, Dewey Square Group was given Economic & Community Empowerment Award by Rev. Leah Daughtry, House of the Lord Church.
Rev. Al Sharpton, president, National Action Network was presented with the Chairman’s Visionary Leadership Award by Melanie L. Campbell.
In commemoration of the anniversary celebration the founders of The National Coalition were recognized.
“In 1976 The National Coalition launched the first nationally coordinated coalition to register 15 million Black people to vote. Today we bear witness to the impact The National’s Coalition’s work has had on the number of elected officials in office,” said Kevin Parker, principal, Capital Consulting Group and 35th Anniversary Spirit Host Committee Chair. “We have Black members of congress, mayor’s, and the election of the first African American president of the United States, President Barack Obama. Thank you for your dedication and commitment.”
The Spirit Awards are presented to individuals and organizations who have demonstrated a commitment to creating balance in the democratic process and support The Nation Coalition’s mission of making civic participation a cultural responsibility and tradition. Title 35th Anniversary partners include AT&T, Verizon, s among others. For more information on the awards or The National Coalition go to www.ncbcp.org.