The Rev. Al Sharpton speaks at Howard University’s Andrew Rankin Chapel in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 25, the Sunday after the Democratic National Convention. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
The Rev. Al Sharpton speaks at Howard University’s Andrew Rankin Chapel in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 25, the Sunday after the Democratic National Convention. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

The Sunday after the Democratic National Convention (DNC) wrapped in Chicago, the Rev. Al Sharpton went to Howard University’s Andrew Rankin Chapel to continue building on the joy-filled momentum of the four-day convening where Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the Democratic presidential nomination.

When he accepted the invitation to preach on Aug. 25 a while back, Sharpton said he had no idea that he would be preaching on “the Sunday after this nation saw the acceptance for the nomination as president” by one of Howard’s graduates. 

During the last night of the convention on Aug. 22, Sharpton, founder and president of the National Action Network (NAN), proudly told Harris that he would be speaking at Howard, her alma mater, on Sunday. Harris responded by telling him that she would be practicing for the debate against Trump at Howard, affectionately referred to as “the Mecca.” 

“It changes a lot in this country when this nation has to accept the fact that you not only have graduates of Harvard but Howard who can lead the United States of America,” said Sharpton during his sermon.

Before he spoke, the congregation witnessed the fruit of Sharpton’s longtime legacy of activism as he was introduced by members of Howard’s NAN chapter. They spoke about his justice fight that started from an early age.

“Growing up, our organization’s founder [the] Rev. Al Sharpton, had the opportunity to absorb a wealth of knowledge from [the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s] lieutenants. He then would go on to incorporate Dr. King’s teachings of nonviolent activism into his social justice work,” said Tavia Lee, a graduating senior at Howard University and founding president of Howard’s NAN Chapter. “At the age of 16, he founded the National Youth Movement, Inc. and in 1991, he officially launched the National Action Network to continue the work.” 

Fired up from the DNC, Sharpton used his time in Rankin Chapel’s pulpit to offer insight about the upcoming election.

He explained that the vice president’s leadership furthers representation for historically Black colleges and universities, African Americans and minorities in the nation. 

“The minute she walks up and puts her hand on the Bible, we will go from charity to parity and be treated equally in these United States,” he said.

During his sermon, Sharpton turned to Luke 8:29 and the story of Jesus who calmed the sea while in a boat with the disciples. 

“As they sailed he fell asleep and a wind storm came down on the lake and the boat was filling with water,” Sharpton said. “They were in jeopardy and they came to him saying, ‘Master, master we are perishing.’” 

In the Biblical tale, Jesus questions the disciple’s faith that would get them through the storm. Sharpton said the nation must also rely on faith to save democracy.

“I came out of Broken home but I didn’t have a broken faith,” Sharpton said.

He offered a faith-filled call to action.

“It is time to cross over,” Sharpton emphasized. “It’s time to cross over.”

The activist, religious leader and political commentator told the students, “As long as you are disconnected from where you are, you don’t know where you are going. To know where I am going, first I have to know who I am.” 

He left the crowd with an empowering message.

“If people can convince you that you are less than what God made you. It is an insult to God,” said Sharpton. “Don’t let nobody tell you what you can’t do.” 

Hamil Harris is an award-winning journalist who worked at the Washington Post from 1992 to 2016. During his tenure he wrote hundreds of stories about the people, government and faith communities in the...

Join the Conversation

2 Comments

  1. Who or What is the God that the Rev. Al Sharpton is serving?

    Indeed, “WIDE is the gate, and BROAD is the way, that leadeth to DESTRUCTION, and MANY there be which go in there at.”

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *