Reverend Al Sharpton Kicks Off 2025 National Action Network Convention in New York City

Short N Sweet Ent

Photo Credit: National Action Network

No Justice, No Peace

On April 1, 2025, Founder and President of National Action Network (NAN), Reverend Al Sharpton took to the stage at the Sheraton in Times Square in front of hundreds of supporters and advocates to begin one of his biggest conventions yet. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, it was clear that Sharpton was on a mission to stand before his people and declare that change is coming. NAN, as one of the leading civil rights organizations, uses its platform to discuss the issues that we face in America and how those in power will fight to improve the lives of Black and Brown citizens across the world.

With this year’s convention theme being titled, Being A Light in Dark Times, topics concerning education, health care, criminal justice reform, economic opportunities, diversity, and equality are at the forefront and will be addressed throughout the week through deep and meaningful conversations. Sharpton stated, “many of the things that we have fought for and achieved are at risk and we are going to deal with that over the next several days and I hope that as we conclude we will leave here in unity”.

Reverend Al Sharpton brought together several political leaders and advocates to help us understand not only what we are fighting for but also the steps that will be taken to make a difference in this generation. New York City Mayor Adams, New York City Council Adrienne Adams, Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, New York City Mayor Candidate Michael Blake, Council Member Yusef Salaam, Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore, Council Member Justin Brannan, Attorney Benjamin Crump, and Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez are just a few leaders that sat today to discuss the policies that are put in place for our communities and what that impact will have.

In an interview with Assemblyman and New York City Mayor Candidate, Bronx native Michael Blake shared the importance of the National Action Convention and what is one thing he is planning on changing for the people of New York City.

“You have to help people make and keep money in their pocket. You do that and it changes the game for everybody. When you have more money in your pocket you realize your dreams, you can get a home, you can pay your bills, and your family can thrive. At the end of the day, we have to help more people make money, keep more money, and reduce their expenses. The true cost of living is real and if you change that, you change the game”.

Every day, disenfranchised people are treated unruly and given little to no resources to make it in America. We are fighting for equality and demanding that those who make our government system unjust be held to the highest level of accountability. One of the special parts of this convention is that we have leaders from other states come in and speak about the changes that are happening and what it will take to come together as a collective. After Governor Wes Moore sat down in a Fireside Chat, we spoke with him about the importance of representation and how to get more people of color involved in politics.

Photo Credit: Winston Rodney Photography

“One of the things that I love is that every single day we wake up and do our work. It’s also letting people know that every space is for you. There are no spaces that you are restricted from. No one can block you from your blessings. I have the joy of waking up every day and working on behalf of the six and-a-half people of Maryland but I also know the reason I am here and that is that there were people who were willing to let me know that there is, as we say in Psalm 61, A Rock Higher Than I”. As long as we continue leaning on our family and our faith we have a chance to get there. I would tell everybody not just that a life of service is not just worth it but a life of service is honoring the sacrifices of those who come before us”.

During the “Expanding Access To Health Care For Black And Brown Americans”, Rev. Al Sharpton sat down with Jennifer Jones Austin, Justin Brannan, Rachel Noerdlinger, Freeway, and Al B. Sure. This was a conversation that you didn’t want to miss. We all know the high mortality statistic rates in the Black community and if we have any chance of changing that we must be properly informed about our health and given the resources that are needed to make better choices to live longer. During a conversation with Philly’s own brilliant and one-of-a-kind musical genius Freeway spoke about his health journey and why our community needs to be more involved.

“If we didn’t fight for ourselves, nobody is going to fight for us. We deserve equality and we deserve equal health care for all. Being a Kidney Transplant Recipient, I know the importance of health care. If I didn’t have legitimate health care I wouldn’t even be able to be on dialysis, get on the transplant list, or get a transplant. These are very important”.

The day continued with more Fireside Chats and panels discussing the fight for social justice. Change can only take place when there are tangible action steps and everyone at the convention has the opportunity to do that by attending the “resource center” and getting to know vendors with businesses such as, Stop False Police Reporting Group & Initiative, Ryan White Wellness, Azim Thomas Photography, and We All Really Matter. A representative from W.A.R.M., a non-profit Domestic Violence Organization, stated, “we are happy to be here at NAN because we will be able to spread awareness, provide resources, and empower those that are suffering and help them to get to a safe place”.

We All Really Matter  

Photo Credit: Coach_taybx

At the end of the evening, NAN held a “Keepers Of The Dream Reception and Ceremony where the great Ms. Patti LaBelle was honored amongst others who have helped shape our culture. The line-up for the rest of the convention is exhilarating and something that you do not want to miss. There will be more panels and ceremonies with special guests such as Don Lemon, Tatyana Ali, Michael Steele, Marcus Smith, Stacey Abrams, Patrick Murphy, Lala Anthony, Maino, Terrance Brown Jr., and many more.

Photo Credit: Coach_taybx

*Photo of Reverand Al Sharpton & Freeway Credit Coach_taybx  

If you still would like to attend, click the link and come have a great time.   

Written By: Shauntay Hallett

Until Next Post... Coach Tay