The well-known political analyst and civil rights activist Reverend Al Sharpton has confirmed the passing of his father, Al Sharpton Sr. Sharpton disclosed the complex relationship he had with his father—one characterized by years of estrangement but finally reconciliation—in a private message shared on social media.
“I’m deeply saddened to announce the passing of my father, Al Sharpton, Sr.,” Sharpton wrote. Our relationship was complicated, but he was still my father.” He continued by explaining how they had resolved old issues resulting from emotions of neglect and abandonment during the previous eighteen years. Sharpton claimed that despite their tumultuous past, their rekindled friendship had grown significant and worthwhile.
Al Sharpton Sr., who was born in Jim Crow-era Florida, later moved to New York City, where he found success as an entrepreneur. Sharpton acknowledged his father’s strengths, noting that he had instilled a sense of “independence and self-pride” in his children, despite his personal failings. In his tribute, Sharpton admitted that both he and his father made mistakes but expressed hope that his father would rest in peace.
Sharpton is still prominent in American public life, therefore the loss comes at a time. He has become a key player in national discussions on racial justice, social justice, and police reform thanks to his often divisive work. Because of his media visibility and activity, Rev. Sharpton has drawn a lot of criticism over his career. “I’ve learned from my own mistakes and from his,” stated Sharpton. Condolences were sent out quickly by Sharpton’s supporters.
“I wake up one morning, he’s gone. And not only is he gone, my oldest sister from my mother’s first marriage,” Sharpton told Oprah about his father during a 2013 interview. “Left with him and they had a child. And then they came and took my sister to live with them.”
On this year’s Father’s Day, Sharpton recently paid respect to his father. “Happy Father’s Day to my natural father, Al Sharpton Sr. Though he left when I was 10 years old, we reconciled many years later. I’ve learned from his wisdom and tenacity,” he wrote.
Sharpton overcame his father’s failings to become a well-known Baptist clergyman and television personality who has played a significant role in American politics and social justice movements for many years. Sharpton, who was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1954, first gained notoriety for her support of African American rights in the 1980s. Due to his involvement in well-known instances like the Tawana Brawley case and the demonstrations that followed the killings of Eric Garner and George Floyd, his advocacy has frequently caused controversy.
In addition, he is the anchor of the MSNBC program “PoliticsNation,” where he talks about politics, race relations, and current affairs.
