THE PARTITION

This paper challenges the argument that Al Sharpton is the ideal leader for African Americans during times of racial inequality and injustice. Some view Al Sharpton as the necessary leader due to his ability to handle the media. He is able to a shine light on situations in the black community serving as their voice to the massive public. However, there is much concern that he uses these same situations to further his own agenda. This paper examines Al Sharpton’s leadership on civil right issues in the black community and the overall impact of his leadership on the community. By examining Al Sharpton’s career in activism along with his tendencies, I analyzed the authenticity of Al Sharpton’s agenda and the actual results his actions produce in the black community. The time period of this paper includes the 1980’s when Al Sharpton first began working with high-profile cases and Al Sharpton’s current involvement in cases like the Michael Brown case. The paper examines Al Sharpton’s participation in cases both in the present and the past. Based on the evidence of pitfalls in Al Sharpton’s leadership, I recommend that there be new leadership for the black community.