Sharpton to speak April 12 at SU

Sharpton to speak April 12 at SUApril 08, 2004Sara Millersemortim@syr.edu

The Rev. Al Sharpton, political activist and former candidate for the 2004 Democratic presidential nomination, will speak at Syracuse University on Monday, April 12 at 7.30 p.m., in the Goldstein Auditorium of the Schine Student Center. Sharpton’s lecture is co-sponsored by SU’s College Democrats and University Union Speakers.

Tickets are $12 for the general public and $5 for students, faculty and staff with a valid SU I.D.; they are available at the Schine Student Center Box Office.

Sharpton, an ordained minister since the age of 10, has been an outspoken civil rights and racial equality activist for nearly two decades, as well as a leading political voice advocating education reform and health care rights. Sharpton is founder of the civil rights group National Action Network, was a candidate for U.S. Senate in 1992 and 1994, and ran for New York mayor in 1997. Sharpton ended his run for the presidential nomination on March 15.

As an activist, Sharpton has been involved in some of the most politically and racially charged events of the past 20 years. At the podium, Sharpton is known for his messages of humanitarianism, tolerance and activism. The ideas of challenging oneself to succeed, taking responsibility and being politically involved in the community form the core of Sharpton’s presentation.

Books by Sharpton include an autobiography, “Go and Tell Pharaoh;” and a policy book titled “Al on America.” Sharpton is married and is the father of two teenage daughters.

For tickets and information, call the box office at 443-4517.