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Apr 01

Civil Rights Activist Speaks During Community Forum at Oakwood

BY Ramona L. Hyman, Ph.D.

The forum was attended by a myriad of people from the Huntsville, Ala., community, including members of the Oakwood University Church, Oakwood University, area ministers and their congregations, and political leaders.

David Stewart Jr.

In his message, “How to Ride through a Storm,” Al Sharpton, D.D., reminded the congregation that “fear and faith” cannot exist at the same time.

David Stewart Jr.

Representative Laura Hall presents Al Sharpton, D.D., with a special acknowledgment.

David Stewart Jr.

Karen Benn-Marshall, Ed.D., vice president for academic administration at Oakwood University, welcomed Al Sharpton, D.D., on behalf of Oakwood.

David Stewart Jr.

Called by God at the age of four to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, Alfred (Al) Charles Sharpton Jr., D.D., has spent his life in service as a Christian preacher and activist sacredly committed to “selfless leadership” and service. He is an American Civil Rights activist, minister, and host of Politics Nation with Al Sharpton. On January 29, 2017, inspired by the visionary ministry of Carlton P. Byrd, D.Min., senior pastor of the Oakwood University Church, the Huntsville community experienced this humble symbol of Christian witness in the public square with a special visit by Al Sharpton, D.D., as he offered the keynote sermonic address to commemorate the beginning of Black History Month in a special community forum sponsored by the church.

The forum was attended by a myriad of people from the Huntsville community, including members of the Oakwood University Church, Oakwood University, area ministers and their congregations, and political leaders. Representative Laura Hall applauded Byrd for sponsoring socially uplifting and unifying programs for the Huntsville community. Karen Benn-Marshall, Ed.D., Oakwood University vice president of academic administration, welcomed Sharpton on behalf of the University.

Reflecting upon the “times in which we live,” Sharpton’s poignant message was grounded in Matthew 8. In his message, “How to Ride through a Storm,” he reminded the congregation that “fear and faith” cannot exist at the same time. He said, “… we’ve been through storms before.” The climax of his sermon was a soul-stirring testimony honoring the woman whom he calls his “bedrock” — his mother. Sharpton has lived on both sides of the American economic ladder. He has known poverty. His mother modeled before him the strength needed to go through a storm. The preacher’s father abandoned the family, leaving them financially destitute. In what may have been a stormy time in their lives, Sharpton said his mother called on the Lord. She said, “… [Lord] if I never have a house again, it will be alright if You take care of my little girl and little boy ….”

Sharpton testified, “The reason she [could] jump up [in church] is she lived to see that little girl and little boy grow up and be somebody …. The reason I know her story is true, I am her little boy.” Clearly his mother was that even-balanced hand through his life; she always pushed him.

Sharpton is the founder, along with other activists, of the National Action Network (NAN). “Dr. Alfred (AL) Charles Sharpton Jr., is clear about his life’s mission,” said former United States President Barack Hussein Obama, to be “a voice for the voiceless.”

South Central | April 2017

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