We’re not willing to give black leaders second chances because, in most cases, we’re not willing to give them first chances. – Al Sharpton
It seems some have chosen to ignore or have simply forgotten the big-picture vision promoted by Dr. King and his kin. – Al Sharpton
We cannot reform institutional racism or systemic policies if we are not actively engaged. It’s not enough to simply complain about injustice; the only way to prevent future injustice is to create the society we would like to see, one where we are all equal under the law. – Al Sharpton
As I often say, we have come a long way from the days of slavery, but in 2014, discrimination and inequality still saturate our society in modern ways. Though racism may be less blatant now in many cases, its existence is undeniable. – Al Sharpton
I was raised by a single mother who made a way for me. She used to scrub floors as a domestic worker, put a cleaning rag in her pocketbook and ride the subways in Brooklyn so I would have food on the table. But she taught me as I walked her to the subway that life is about not where you start, but where you’re going. That’s family values. – Al Sharpton
It is up to us to change laws on the books like ‘Stand Your Ground’ laws and push elected officials to enact regulations that hold police officers to the same standards as the rest of society. This is why we vote. – Al Sharpton
As a preacher who has spent significant time in churches and houses of worship all across the country, I can tell you firsthand that religious liberty and freedom are principles that can never be infringed upon. – Al Sharpton
Like myself, President Obama is the father of two daughters. He understands the obstacles that they face as women, but he also understands the emergency of the state of young black men in America. – Al Sharpton
One of the reasons I get so much joy out of my own children’s childhoods is that I’m having my first childhood myself. – Al Sharpton
During my 2004 presidential campaign, I was fond of saying that it was high time for the Christian right to meet the right Christians. – Al Sharpton
My ministry’s always been one of social activism. I think a responsible minister must be at some levels involved in the social order. – Al Sharpton
If it weren’t for the mentorship and guidance from people like my mother, James Brown and others, I wouldn’t have been able to make something of my life. – Al Sharpton
I can call a march, and thousands come out, and I happen to have access to the White House at the same time. – Al Sharpton
If O.J. had been accused of killing his black wife, you would not have seen the same passion stirred up. – Al Sharpton
When the culture of police departments is sometimes infused with bias or preconceived ideas against certain groups, there needs to be reform and retraining throughout. And unfortunately, we cannot rely on local departments to police themselves; we need intervention from the top. – Al Sharpton