Sharpton holds torch for average citizens

There are many events that occur around the globe and locally that causes people to be outraged. Most of the time we as average citizens are so entrenched in our personal little wars and battles that we can do little to carry the torch of protest.

Among the many thousands of advocates of justice is the Rev. Al Sharpton. I don’t know Rev. Sharpton’s full story or background in detail, but I do know that he is dedicated to the commitment of equality. So many like Rev. Sharpton carry a burden to expose hatred, ignorance and injustice. Of course, in any struggle for justice there is an opposing force that is deeply rooted in traditions, superiority and/or a lopsided legal force.

Warriors like Rev. Sharpton not only must fight the immediate injustice but simultaneously absorb personal attacks on their motives. Sometimes it seems comical that people have no problem with a complete stranger coming to their aid, but when someone makes it a practice to aid the voiceless or the powerless they are labeled as an attention searcher or troublemaker. For sure Rev. Sharpton’s motives are not based on wealth or fame. Most of the time the victims of discrimination seek him out first, as it was in the “Jena 6” case in Jena, La.

The main attributes of warriors like Rev. Sharpton is their tireless efforts to expose injustices, hatred and more importantly deceitful cover-ups. Like most activists (ex. Dr. King, Alan Keyes, Jesse Jackson or Pastor Robert Jeffries) they are not immune to justifiable criticisms, but if perfection is the template for activism, then no one qualifies. I attended a speaking engagement for Rev. Sharpton at ASU about seven years ago and I couldn’t be any less proud of him now as I was then.

TONY WRIGHT

Albany