2015 NAN Highlights
JANUARY
January 5, 2015
NAN’s Staten Island chapter launched its every Monday Free community dinner at 4:00pm at the National Action Network Staten Island, NY office.
January 19, 2015
Rev. Al Sharpton and National Action Network (NAN) held national “Be Like King” events honoring and promoting the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the Dr. King observed holiday.
The day’s events began in Washington, D.C with NAN’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Breakfast with guest speakers U.S. Secretary Sylvia Mathews Burwell, Health and Human Services; and U.S. Secretary, Julián Castro, Housing and Urban Development. Rev. Al Sharpton traveled back to New York, NY, to participate in NAN’s annual King Day Public Policy forum with New York City and state politicians.
At the conclusion of the policy forum Rev. Al Sharpton along with: Eric Garner’s widow, Esaw Garner, and mother Gwen Carr; Akai Gurley’s domestic partner, Kimberly Ballinger; led a caravan of buses to three locations. The first stop was to the site where Detectives Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos were killed in Brooklyn, the group laid a wreath and said a prayer. The convoy then traveled to the Pink Houses in Brooklyn, where police killed Akai Gurley. The day ended with a candlelight vigil at the site where Eric Garner was killed.
January 20, 2015
NAN held watch parties across the country to watch President Obama’s 2015 State Of The Union address.
NAN Youth Huddle Founder, Ashley Sharpton, represented NAN as a social media correspondent for the State of the Union 2015 at The White House.
January 23rd-25th, 2015
Rev. Al Sharpton traveled to the United Kingdom to meet with members of Parliament, speak at Oxford University, speak at a voter unity rally, and preach at New Testament Church of God in Brixton, London.
January 24, 2015
NAN’s Health and Wellness committee of the NYC chapter, in collaboration with NAN’s Youth Huddle and NYC Fire Department hosted free on-site CPR training workshop at the House of Justice Auditorium in Harlem, NY during NAN’s Youth Huddle weekly meeting.
January 31, 2015
NAN’s Health and Wellness Committee of the NYC chapter partnered with NYC Fire Department and hosted free onsite CPR training catered to all age groups in the borough of Brooklyn, NY.
January 27, 2015
NAN’s Greater Cincinnati chapter addressed the city of Norwood council meeting after the mayor told the police department he would protect them from race baiting black leaders and politicians. The chapter also had a private meeting with the mayor regarding his remarks.
FEBRUARY
February 06th, 2015
NAN’s Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Michael A. Hardy, Esq. spoke at Touro College’s Black History Month symposium, civil & voting rights: past, present & future
February 07th, 2015
New York State Assembly’s first African- American speaker, Carl Hastie, makes his first public appearance at NAN’s Saturday action rally in Harlem, NY.
February 10, 2015
NAN’s Staten Island chapter launched its weekly job search program, where companies come and interview potential employees at the National Action Network Staten Island, NY office.
February 20th, 2015
NAN Youth Huddle, LIFECamp, 100 Suits for 100 men, launch a bi-monthly Peace Talent Cypher at the House of Justice in Harlem, NY to promote, showcase, and encourage young people’s talents in a positive way.
February 21st, 2015
NAN commemorates the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X. Ilyasah Shabazz, the daughter of Malcolm X, joins Rev. AL Sharpton at the House of Justice in Harlem, NY for NAN’s weekly Saturday action rally.
NAN’s New York City Chapter Men’s Auxiliary hosted a “Boys to Men Forum.”- Developing young men for the 21st Century, at the House of Justice auditorium in Harlem, NY.
February 22nd, 2015
NAN’s Western Regional Office/LA chapter organized a 3,000 member March for Justice with Community Leaders in Los Angeles, CA.
February 23, 2015
First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a special panel discussion at the White House in celebration of Black History Month on Friday, February 20th co-hosted by Essence Magazine in which she recognized the National Executive Director of NAN, Janaye Ingram, and four women who have played critical roles in America’s progress on civil rights.
February 28th, 2015
NAN NYC chapter and Education for a Better America presents an Education Policy Forum to discuss, break down, and organize around the ESEA act at the House of Justice in Harlem, NY.
MARCH
March 07th, 2015
On the 50th anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery march, President Barack Obama and the First Family joins civil rights leaders including Rev. Al Sharpton, Congressman John Louis, the children of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Amelia Boynton, and many others along with tens of thousands of marchers at the foot of the iconic civil rights landmark, the Edmund Pettis Bridge, to commemorate a day that changed the landscape of American history.
March 07th, 2015
NAN and Education for a Better America host Policy Design Workshops, a Youth Huddle Peace Cypher, and participated in an HIV/AIDS Town Hall meeting with Rev. Al Sharpton at Selma University in Selma, AL.
NAN’s Birmingham Alabama Chapter conducted a community forum with Congresswoman, Terri Sewell at Brown Chapel in Selma, AL on voter empowerment.
National Action Network youth move chapter presidents meet in Chicago with other youth organizations to discuss the rise in gun violence in our country.
March 08th, 2015
Rev. Al Sharpton delivered a key sermon at Brown Chapel A.M.E. in Selma, Alabama, where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights leaders were based during the 1965 Voting Rights campaign and organized historic marches from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. It was a key sermon to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery marches and the signing of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Following his sermon, he participated in the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge and post-march rally.
March 13th, 2015
Leaders from Education for a Better America, NAN’s Nassau County chapter, NAN’s northeast regional director, Minister Kirsten John Foy, held a press conference in front of the Hempstead, NY School District Administration Building to call for federal and state resources to go to school districts across the United States to provide access to a high quality education for all students regardless of their immigration status.
March 16th, 2015
NAN’s Youth Huddle, NAN’s northeast regional director, Minister Kirsten John Foy, NAN’s Brooklyn-East president and crisis director, Rev. Kevin McCall, address the McDonalds Brawl in a press conference calling for peace, after a group of high school students viciously jumped and beat a young lady on video-tape in a McDonalds in Brooklyn, NY after school hours.
March 19th, 2015
NAN Youth Huddle, 100 Suits for 100 men, and NAN’s Queens chapter and President Rev. Phil Craig, launch the Youth HUDDLE at Greater Springfield Community Church in Jamaica, NY.
March 27, 2015
NAN’s Western Regional Office/LA Chapter National Action Network Los Angeles led a community demonstration and protest for Charlie Africa who was killed on Skid Row in Los Angeles, CA.
March 30, 2015
NAN’s Western Regional Office/LA Chapter, National Action Network Los Angeles hosted its 1st Annual Women’s History Luncheon honoring women of influence in Los Angeles for Women’s History month.
APRIL
April 08th-11th, 2015
From April 8 to 11, National Action Network held its 16th annual convention at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel in the heart of New York City. Some of the leading figures in government, media, education and public policy joined activists, clergy members, students and people from across the country to not only address many of the issues facing us today but to also organize and mobilize concrete ways of truly addressing them. Some of the convention guests included: senior members of the Obama administration, including Secretary of Education Arne Duncan; Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.); New York Mayor Bill de Blasio; the governor of the state of New York, Andrew M. Cuomo; Director Lee Daniels, The cast of the Fox Hit TV show “Empire”, Oscar award winner Helen Mirren, life coach and TV personality Iyanla Vanzant, Actor Anthony Anderson, children of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr, Ralph Abernathy, Malcolm X, gospel recording artist, Pastor Marvin Sappe, family members of Sean Bell, Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and Tamir Rice, as well as grassroots advocates on issues such as equal pay, gender equality, labor rights and fair housing. The convention included panel discussions, plenary sessions, free health care screenings, award ceremonies, a women’s luncheon, revivals, and youth events.
April 15, 2015
NAN’s Washington Bureau held it’s annual Legislative & Policy Conference in Washington, D.C. Over 200 attendees from 15 of our NAN Chapters, heard from experts who work tirelessly on key issues such as voting rights, criminal justice, education, jobs & the economy and many other issues. The National Action Network held a hunger strike to protest the delay in Attorney General nominee Loretta Lynch’s confirmation. “Confirm Loretta Lynch Fast” was a fast each day that Lynch is not given a confirmation vote in an effort Sharpton said is inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Ghandi.
April 15, 2015
NAN Chapters Nationally participate in a fast to confirm Attorney General Ms. Loretta Lynch and launch a call in campaign to both houses of congress.
NAN’s Western Regional Office/LA Chapter led the community organization for the fight for $15.00 in Los Angles. Demonstrations, marches and delegation meetings were organized with labor unions around the fight for $15.00.
April 25, 2015
NAN’s Brooklyn Central Chapter joined forces with “Dads Demand Action” and the Chris Owens foundations to fight violence in the borough of Brooklyn, NY.
April 27th, 2015
Brooklyn Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, NAN’s Northeast regional Director, Minister Kirsten John Foy, Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, Cynthia Davis, NAN’s Staten Island Chapter President, gathered in front of 1 police plaza in New York City, to announce the introduction of the excessive use of force prevention act 2015. The legislation will make the deployment of a chokehold unlawful under federal civil rights law.
April 30, 2015
Rev. Al Sharpton and Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake led a summit on improving relations between police and the community after the death of Freddie Gray. Among those joining the meeting were NAACP President Cornell William Brooks and National Urban League President Marc Morial.
Walter Scott, South Carolina – Rev. Al Sharpton preached at Charity Mission Baptist Church in North Charleston, SC and held a prayer vigil at the site where Walter Scott was killed.
NAN’s Western Regional Office/LA Chapter organized “Justice for Freddie Gray” Rally in Leimert Park. Mike Brown, Sr, the father of Mike Brown, Jr, joins the march.
MAY
May 9, 2015
NAN South Florida Regional Office, President Bishop Victor Curry, hosted a community forum to assist Liberty Square neighborhoods residence about tearing down housing projects.
May 12th, 2015
NAN’s Oakland, CA chapter partners with Education for a Better America, California First Five, and The White House Initiative for Educational Excellence for African Americans to host a faith leaders training on early childhood development focusing on youth development from 0-3 years old to bridge the word achievement gap.
May 14, 2015
NAN participated in the Use Your Voice Youth Summit held at New Shiloh Baptist Church in Baltimore, MD. There was a follow up meeting in Baltimore, where NAN heard from the youth of Baltimore about their concerns about their community and what needs to be done to improve their quality of life.
Reverend Al Sharpton issued a statement on the criminal charges filed against six Baltimore police officers in the death of 25-year-old Freddie Gray.
NAN’s Youth Move nationally kicked off its chapter Think Tanks.
May 16, 2015
Rev. Al Sharpton joined NAN Staten Island Chapter President Cynthia Davis for the ribbon cutting of the Staten Island, NY office opening.
May 29th, 2015
Emerald Garner, daughter of Eric Garner, NAN’s northeast regional director, Minister Kirsten John Foy, and NAN’s Youth Huddle lead a march from 1 police plaza to Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, NY to protest no indictment almost a year after the death of Eric Garner.
Rev. Sharpton goes to Cleveland, OH and joins leaders in Chicago, Baltimore, and Ohio to discuss the deadly violence rising in the city. Leaders in Chicago, Baltimore, and Ohio joined him.
May 30th, 2015
NAN’s Membership Department partnered with Organizing for America to present a series of grassroots organizing training workshops entitled “Fulfilling the Promise” exclusively for members at the House of Justice in Harlem, NY.
JUNE
June 02nd, 2015
NAN partnered with the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and Everytown for Gun Safety nationally and in New York. More than 200 organizations, cultural influencers and elected officials supported National Gun Violence Awareness Day by wearing the color orange.
This campaign was inspired by a group of Chicago teens that asked classmates to commemorate the life of their friend 15-year-old Hadiya Pendleton, who was shot and killed one week after marching in President Obama’s second inaugural parade. The color orange symbolizes the value of human life and a way to visibly honor the 88 Americans lives cut short by gun violence every day. Which includes the countless survivors forever altered by shootings each year.
June 06th, 2015
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio joined Rev. Al Sharpton and a host of other elected officials at a demonstration calling for the State Legislature and Gov. Andrew Cuomo to sign off on a package of proposals to maintain and strengthen the city’s rent laws. The rally took place in front of the Adam Clayton Powell state office building in Harlem, NY.
NAN Anti-Violence Committee of the NYC chapter (VEPIC), Street Corner Resources (SCR), and NAN Youth Huddle, and other organizations, along with community activists, politicians and church leaders, kicked off “Occupy the Corners”. They occupied on the weekend evenings of the summer months to stand on corners in “hotspot” areas throughout their cities, engaging youth, sharing resources, and having solution-driven conversations about ways to eliminate violence.
June 08th, 2015
NAN’s Vice-President of religious and external affairs, Rev. Nelson Rivers III, NAN’s Charles, SC president Elder James Johnson, and community leaders led a press conference regarding the announcement of Michael Slager’s indictment for the murder of Walter Scott in Charleston, SC.
June 10th, 2015
NAN Western Regional Director, Rev. KW Tulloss and NAN Los Angeles Political Director, Najee Ali, hold a press conference urging the Los Angeles D.A. Jacky Lacey to file criminal charges against an LAPD officer in the fatal shooting of Ezel Ford.
June 11TH, 2015
Rev. Al Sharpton delivered the keynote address at the 27th Annual National Consortium on Racial and Ethnic Fairness in the Courts conference in Buffalo, NY.
June 15, 105
Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, along with elected officials from surrounding cities presented Reverend Al Sharpton with a “Key to the City” in appreciation of his efforts to confront inequality and give a voice for the voiceless in New Jersey and across the country.
June 17th, 2015
Nine innocent people were killed at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina.
NAN’s Executive Director, Janaye Ingram, is honored for the Network Journal’s 40 under 40 awards.
JUNE 18th, 2015
In the wake of the tragic shooting deaths of nine people at the historic Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, Rev. Al Sharpton, joined National Action Network Chair in Charleston, Elder Johnson, as well as Reverend Nelson Rivers who heads NAN’s religious affairs department, and announced a call to coordinate a national day of prayer and healing.
JUNE 19, 2015
Two days after the Emanuel Nine Massacre, NAN Vice President of Religious Affairs Rev. Nelson B. Rivers, III, along with Charleston Mayor Joe Riley and Trudy Grant, NAN Manager of Religious Affairs organized a community wide service of healing at TD Arena at the College of Charleston. Over 4,000 attended this emotionally charged gathering of pain and hope. It was at this service that Rev. Rivers was the first to publicly call for the immediate removal of the Confederate Battle Flag from in front of the state house in Columbia, SC.
June 20, 2015
NAN South Florida Regional Office, President Bishop Victor Curry, hosted a stop the violence forum in the city of Miami Gardens. The panel discussion included youth, parents, the Police Department and community leaders.
June 21st, 2015
NAN’s Brooklyn-east chapter president leads NAN in a prayer vigil with the family of Jamal Joseph, the young man who was killed by gun violence in Brooklyn, NY.
June 25, 2015
National Action Network’s Washington Bureau traveled to Roanoke, VA to join a coalition Voting Rights rally on the second anniversary of the Supreme Court’s Shelby County vs. Holder Decision in an effort to call on Republican Congressman Bob Goodlatte, a member of the House Judiciary Committee, to take action in restoring the voting rights act.
June 25th, 2015
Rev. Al Sharpton participated in the funeral services of Ethel Lance and Rev. Sharonda Singleton, two of the nine victims of the tragic shooting that occurred at Mother Emanuel AME Church.
Rev. Al Sharpton released a statement commending the United States Supreme Court for its decisions to uphold a key provision in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and preserved a crucial enforcement tool of the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
June 26th, 2015
Rev. Sharpton attended the funeral service of State Sen. Clementa Pinckney, where President Obama eulogized the slain South Carolina leader. Rev. Sharpton worked closely with State Sen. Pinckney on a number of issues, including, helping to bring the community of North Charleston together following the tragic killing of Walter Scott at the hands of a North Charleston police officer.
June 27th, 2015
NAN held a vigil to denounce Robert E. Lee Street and the Confederate Flag Painting at Fort Hamilton Army Base.
JULY
July 03rd, 2015
Rev. Al Sharpton keynotes the Empowerment Expo at the annual EssenceFest at the Marc Morial convention center in New Orleans, LA.
NAN hosts a reception with AT&T at Dookey Chase restaurant in New Orleans, LA for EssenceFest.
July 06th-11th, 2015
NAN’s National Youth Move Director, Mary Pat Hector led a convening of youth from across the country in Washington DC to demonstrate and discuss issues such as women’s rights, climate change, cost of college, and gun violence with Solidarity Summer.
July 07th, 2015
NAN’s Mid-west regional director and president of the Detroit, MI chapter, Rev. Charles Williams II joined Detroit activists to call on Kid Rock to denounce the confederate flag.
July 8-9, 2015
National Action Network held it’s Legislation & Policy Conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Members met with their Elected Officials from their state and heard from the Administration’s cabinet officials like Broderick Johnson, Cabinet Secretary and Assistant to the President; Vanita Gupta, Acting Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division; Ron Davis, Director of the Community Oriented Policing Services (C.O.P.S.) office and Executive Director of the Presidential Task Force on 21st Century Policing; and Commissioner Mignon Clyburn of the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). Members of Congress from New York, New Jersey, Alabama, Michigan, Florida, Virginia, Texas, South Carolina, Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania greeted members. Rep. G. K. Butterfield, (D-NC), Chair, Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Rep. Judy Chu, (D-CA), Chair; Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Rep. James Clyburn, (D-SC), U.S. House Assistant Democratic Leader, Rep. Keith Ellison, (D-MN), Co-Chair, Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) and Rep. Linda Sánchez, (D-CA), Chair, Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) also came to address the participants.
JULY 9th, 2015
NY Governor Andrew Cuomo Appoints a Special Prosecutor for Killings by Police and thanks NAN in his speech.
NAN Greater Cincinnati chapter stood with a family (8 kids & 2 adults) who was unfairly put out of Fairfield Aquatic Center. The video of the incident went viral with millions of views. The family is expected to appear in court over the situation in February. The chapter is monitoring the situation and working with the family.
July 15th, 2015
National Action Network’s Youth Move took to Twitter with our #NANTaughtMe hash tag and discussed what they learned being a part of the organization and how they grew.
July 17th, 2015
NAN commends President Barack Obama for his strong endorsement of “banning the box” on job applications and for being the first American president to visit a federal correctional facility on Thursday, July 16th in El Reno, Oklahoma.
One Year since the police chokehold death of Eric Garner, no federal charges have been filed against the officer who killed Mr. Garner in Staten Island; Reverend Al Sharpton, and the families of the victims led vigils for Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Trayvon Martin and others killed. Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, his children and wife Esaw Garner; the mothers of national police-killing cases Sybrina Fulton (Trayvon Martin), Lesley McFadden (Michael Brown), National Action Network (NAN) and more led vigils in two locations Rev. Herbert Daughtry’s House of the Lord Church in Brooklyn, NY and Rev. Thomas Johnson’s Canaan Baptist Church in New York, NY.
July 18th, 2015
NAN partners with 1199 SEIU, NAACP, NY State Nurses association, working families, center for constitutional rights, NY communities for change, and other community organization to hold a rally in Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, NY for victims of violence on the 1-year anniversary of Eric Garner with no charges pending on the police officers involved. Rev. Sharpton, NAN’s Northeast Regional Director Kirsten Foy, and the family of Eric Garner lead the rally.
July 19, 2015
NAN’s Greater Cincinnati chapter stood with the family of Samuel Dubose- an unarmed black man shot and killed by University of Cincinnati Police. The officer has been charged with murder.
July 20th, 2015
Rev. Sharpton speaks at the White House for an event on climate change honoring 12 Faith Leaders as climate change ‘champions’. The honorees included Catholic leaders, African-American clergy and four officials of Interfaith Power & Light, a nonprofit that helps congregations save energy and become more environmentally friendly.
July 25, 2015
NAN’s Maricopa County, AZ Chapter awards Chief Roy Minter Jr. Civil Rights Person of the Year. Chief Minter serves as the Chief of police for Peoria AZ, he is also the director of U.C.A.N (United Community Action Network). Chief Minter has demonstrated great leadership skills by bringing communities together, teaching the importance of transparency, and teaching law enforcement.
July 30th, 2015
Reverend Al Sharpton calls on Presidential Candidates to Lay Out their Vision on Increasing Economic Opportunities, Improving Education, Criminal Justice Reform & Voting Rights at the National Urban League Conference in Fort Lauderdale, Fl.
AUGUST
August 1st, 2015
NAN launches “The Shift Daily”-A website for the millennial activist to be heard in the media.
August 03rd, 2015
NAN released a statement in response to the U.S. Environmental Protect Agency’s (EPA) steps to limit harmful carbon pollution, which fuels climate change and threatens the public health and safety of our communities. There is an undeniable need to take meaningful action to combat climate change. To date, there are no federal guidelines set on power plants limiting levels of carbon pollution that is dumped into the air. Carbon pollution causes climate change and a host of extreme threats to public health for Americans.
August 7, 2015
Rev. Al Sharpton keynotes the first Anniversary Dinner of the killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, MO and launches a campaign to have the street name changed from Canfield Drive to Michael Brown Way.
August 12th, 2015
NAN hosted its annual Rise of the Phoenix Awards in Los Angeles, CA with Western Regional Director Rev. KW Tulloss, honoring: Brad Johnson (Restaurateur & owner of Post & Beam), Bryant Howroyd (Founder & CEO of ACT.1 group), Doc Rivers (Coach of the LA Clippers), John Singleton (Director, Producer, writer). NAN’s Technology academy was also launched in Los Angeles at the Awards ceremony.
August 14th, 2015
Rev. Sharpton and faith leaders join together to launch a campaign urging members of their organizations to call their senators and U.S. House of Representatives to urge them to support diplomacy over a war on Iran.
August 26th, 2015
Reverend Al Sharpton released a statement on civil rights activist Amelia Boynton Robinson after her passing. In his statement he reflected on the last time they spent together: “ One of my greatest moments of pride was walking behind her wheelchair on the bridge in March next to President Barack Obama on the 50th Anniversary of the day that she and Congressman John Lewis were beaten. I am glad she lived to see a Black President but we must make sure we maintain the Voting Rights Act and voter protection for all Americans in her memory.”
August 29th, 2015
NYC chapter’s political action committee chair Dawn Jones, and NAN’s Membership Director, Dominique Sharpton, present a voting rights act forum in lite of the 50th anniversary of the voting rights act, at the house of justice in Harlem, NY. The forum featured information on voting rights, on- site voter registration, a panel on current voting suppression laws, and a staged reading of Susan charlotte’s “When truth is not enough”- a play on voter suppression.
SEPTEMBER
September 02nd-04th, 2015
Full Gospel Baptist church Fellowship International presented the state of Florida crusade featuring NAN’s South Florida chapter president, Bishop Victor Curry.
September 07th, 2015
The Young Professionals Group of National Action Network hosted a Harlem district leader candidate forum at the House of Justice auditorium in Harlem, NY on Labor Day. The candidates were running to fill the district leader position that the Honorable Theresa Freeman, NAN’s former NYC chapter president, held for many years.
September 11th, 2015
NAN launched the Technology Academy at the Atlanta Office with NAN’s Atlanta chapter and NAN’s Youth Move.
September 16th, 2015
National Action Network (NAN) held its annual Action & Authority Reception Wednesday, September 16, 2015 from 6:00 – 9:00 PM at the Human Rights Campaign headquarters in Washington, DC. The event, which coincides with the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference, honored women who have made meaningful contributions to the ongoing battle against injustice and inequality.
September 12, 2015
NAN’s Health & Wellness Committee of the New York City chapter collaborated with Project Renewal and hosted Free Mammogram Screenings in the Borough of Brooklyn, NY.
National Action Networks Youth Move in Atlanta hosted a Black Male Achievement forum to uplift boys in the Metro Atlanta Area to Dream Big.
September 15, 2015
NAN’s South Florida Regional Office, President Victor T. Curry, hosted a meeting with parents of youth killed to gun violence throughout Dade County.
September 18, 2015
Reverend Al Sharpton moderated a Brother’s Keeper panel at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC as apart of the Congressional Black Caucus Conference.
September 21st, 2015
The chairman of NAN’s HIV/AIDS committee of the NYC chapter, Alvin Ponder, participated in From Blueprint to Action: Ending the Epidemic New York State Regional Discussion which provided an opportunity to identify and implement community driven strategies and partners to address the Governor’s three-point plan to end the AIDS epidemic by the end of 2020 in New York State. The forum took place at the Adam Clayton Powell State office building in Harlem, NY.
September 22nd, 2015
NAN’s northeast regional director, Minister Kirsten John Foy, and NAN’s Brooklyn-East chapter president and crisis director, Rev. Kevin McCall, held a press conference with the family of Dexter Walters outside of the Frank Barone Funeral home to announce NAN’s involvement in his case.
September 23rd, 2015
Rev. Sharpton appeared on the season premiere of Fox’s hit TV show “Empire”.
September 25, 2015
NAN Staten Island Office/Chapter leads an anti-violence march with over 200 youth to quail violence on Staten Island.
September 28th, 2015
Rev. Al Sharpton and NAN launched the NAN Technology Academy at the House of Justice in Harlem. Rev. Sharpton outlined the effort NAN is spearheading to decrease the digital divide and lack of technological resources available in low-income areas. The NAN Tech Academy will provide free 21st century technology based skills and job training to New York City residents and is spearheaded by NAN’s Technology committee of the NYC chapter led by Mr. Lord Dowdell.
OCTOBER
October 3rd, 2015
NAN’s inaugural televised Triumph Awards aired on TvONE. Filmed in Atlanta, GA and hosted by Tichina Arnold, this esteemed ceremony recognized the triumphant impact the honorees have made on our society.
Recording artist and philanthropist Tyrese Gibson was presented the Entertainer of the Year honor by Martin Luther King III and received a special message from friend and fellow entertainer Ludacris. With a body of work as a civil rights leader, activist and minister spanning over eight decades, Rev. Dr. Joseph Echols Lowery received the Chairman’s Award for Historic & Transformative Service from NAN’s Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson and Rev. Al Sharpton. Emmy award-winning comedienne, actress and producer Wanda Sykes received the Activism in the Arts honor for her years of service to youth homelessness and engagement within the LGBT community. Chief Diversity Officer and Global Director of Education and External Relations for Intel, Rosalind Hudnell was presented the honor of Corporate Executive of the Year in support of her distinguished leadership within the corporate sector. The night’s final honor, the President’s Award for Service and Humanitarian Efforts, was presented to John Legend for his work as a vocal champion for social justice who gave the audience a special treat during his acceptance speech by singing “Wake Up Everybody” before turning it over to Tichina Arnold to close the show.
October 4th, 2015
Premiere of the New Politics Nation: On Sunday, October 4 at 8 a.m. ET Reverend Al Sharpton sat down with Democratic Presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton for his all new weekly “PoliticsNation” on MSNBC.
October 12, 2015
NAN Vice President of Religious Affairs Rev. Nelson B. Rivers, III, Columbia Chapter President Rev. Michael Baker and NAN SC State Director Elder James Johnson organized a meeting in Columbia, SC with the Red Cross national leaders who were coordinating the disaster relief effort in the aftermath of the “1,000-year flood” in South Carolina that caused grief, misery, and billions of dollars of damage in the state still reeling after the murders of Walter Scott and the Emanuel Nine. Faith leaders and civil rights groups from across South Carolina were in attendance.
October 12-16, 2015
NAN’s Birmingham Alabama Chapter leads a caravan to 10 counties that were shutting down DMV’s, which was an act of voter suppression. They held press conferences at each DMV location demanding the Governor reopen all of the DMV offices.
October 13th, 2015
NAN launched the Technology Academy in Oakland, CA. at Beebe Memorial Baptist Church with NAN Oakland chapter President, Rev. Charles Hames, Jr.
NAN Young Professionals Group (YPG) hosted the “2016 Harlem Democratic Primary Debate Watch (Round 1)” at Harlem Tavern in New York, NY.
October 14th, 2015
Rev. Al Sharpton delivered the keynote speech at the Durban Business Fair in South Africa for Essence Magazine.
NAN’s HIV/AIDS committee of the NYC chapter’s chair, Alvin Ponder, testified at the NYC City Council Committee of General Welfare hearings in support of what is known as the “HASA for ALL’ bill expanding benefits to all low-income New Yorkers afflicted with HIV.
October 14, 2015
NAN’s Birmingham Alabama Chapter along with Congresswoman Terri Sewell hosted a Town Hall meeting at New Hope Church to address the issue of department of DMV closures.
October 19th, 2015
NAN recognizes LGBT History Month and National Coming out Day by announcing the Creation of NAN’s LGBTQ Alliance. Emerging from the leadership of Reverend Al Sharpton’s advocacy for gay rights over the last decade, the Alliance will seek to integrate specific concerns of LGBTQ people with the holistic social justice agenda. Reverend MacArthur Flournoy, Director of Faith Partnerships & Mobilization and Religion & Faith Programs at the Human Rights Campaign chair the Alliance. Members will include clergy, civil rights activists and others in the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Grounded in faith, hope and love, the goal is to challenge injustice based on sexual orientation and gender identity by implementing social change at the intersections of issues.
October 22nd, 2015
NAN’s northeast regional director, Kirsten John Foy, and NAN’s Brooklyn East chapter president and director of crisis, Rev. Kevin McCall, lead NAN, community leaders, and the family of Dexter Walters in a prayer vigil in front of the NY State Attorney General, Eric Schneiderman’s, office in Brooklyn, NY. They called on the special prosecutor to look into the case of Dexter Walters killed by police.
October 23rd, 2015
NAN released a statement on the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Vote to support the sentencing reforms corrections Act of 2015 and the FCC’s decision to cap rates for inmate calling services.
October 24th, 2015
NAN dedicated the LIVE Saturday action rally & radio broadcast to slain NYPD officer Randolph Holder who was killed in the line of duty. Immediately following the rally, NAN and Rev. Sharpton led a vigil near the scene where the officer lost his life.
NAN South Florida Regional Office, President Victor Curry hosted a Community Forum at New Birth Baptist Church Cathedral of Faith International. There was a panel discussion between various Chiefs of Police Departments, Senators, Representatives, State Attorney, Mayor, Commissioners, other Community Leaders, and the parents of murdered children. There were bills introduced and to be passed to assist parents with unsolved crimes against their children.
October 26, 2015
NAN DC Bureau Research & Policy Associate, Ebonie Riley joined a White House panel discussion regarding grassroots efforts to provide health care coverage in underserved communities to kick off the third open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act.
October 31st, 2015
NAN’s NYC chapter’s aids committee led by Alvin Ponder, presented an “end the epidemic of AIDS” forum at the House of justice auditorium in Harlem, NY. In addition to the expert panel,
Harlem Hospital and Exponents, Inc., conducted, individually, free curbside mobile van HIV testing outside.
NOVEMBER
November 7, 2015
Reverend Al Sharpton and Friendship – West Baptist Church launches Health & Hunger Academy in Dallas, TX.
November 13th, 14th, 2015
NAN’s National Youth Director, Mary Pat Hector, kicked off Occupy the Corners in Atlanta, GA. With other youth groups, NAN’s youth move, and NAN’s Atlanta Chapter. Every Friday and Saturday from 6-9 PM National Action Networks Youth as well as Muhammad Mosque #15 and the Local LOC occupied the corners of Atlanta insuring the safety.
November 17th, 2015
NAN presents its first Women’s Summit at the House of Justice in Harlem, NY.
November 18th, 2015
The HIV/ AIDS committee participated in the New York State Department of Health AIDS Institute course: Achieving Viral Suppression Among Women. The ETE Webinar course addressed (1) the unique clinical and counseling considerations for women (2) ensuring that women who can benefit from Prep and PEP learn about these interventions (3) steps clinical need to take to be prepared.
NAN’s Western Region/Los Angeles Chapter under the leadership of Rev. K.W. Tulloss, produced a mini documentary of the National Action Network. YouTube link: https://youtu.be/a-lnNPTmW1o
November 21st, 2015
NAN’s Young Professionals Group gave away turkeys for Thanksgiving to the Harlem community at the House of Justice auditorium in Harlem, NY.
November 26th, 2015
NAN hosts its annual Thanksgiving Day dinner at the House of Justice auditorium in New York City feeding hundreds of homeless families and seniors. Marc Morial from National Urban League, Assembly members Michael Blake and Keith Wright, Rev. Herbert Daughtry, Senator Adriano Espilliat, and the family of Eric Garner join Rev. Sharpton and dignitaries to help serve.
NOVEMBER 30th, 2015
Rev. Al Sharpton, Spike Lee Congressman Charlie Rangel; Congressman Hakeem Jeffries; Assemblyman Keith Wright; NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer; Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner; National Anti-Gun Violence Activist Erica Ford; Shianne Norman, Mom of 4-Year-Old Lloyd Morgan killed by gun violence, Iesha Sekou of Street Corner Resources, and many others held a press conference at NAN to announce a push for national gun violence awareness.
DECEMBER
December 1st, 2015
Rev. Al Sharpton spoke at the premiere of Chiraq and led a march after the film with Spike Lee, Nick Cannon and the cast of the film to bring awareness to gun violence in America.
December 6, 2015
Reverend Al Sharpton and NAN’s Queens Chapter launches Health & Hunger Academy in Queens, NY.
December 7, 2015
NAN launched the Technology Academy in Detroit, MI. to help close the digital divide in Detroit with Rev. Charles Williams, president of the Detroit chapter and Mid-West regional director.
December 9th, 2015
Rev. Al Sharpton and Attorney Michael A. Hardy attended oral arguments and NAN and leaders rallied on the steps of the US Supreme Court for the oral arguments in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin. This Affirmative Action case comes at a defining moment for race relations as campuses around the country deal with major diversity protests; this decision could result in a severe reduction of the number of the people of color on campuses already dealing with racial insensitivity.
December 10, 2015
NAN’s South Carolina State Conference President Elder James Johnson holds a press conference outside of Citadel Military College. Officials at the Military College were investigating photos that appeared on social media showing cadets wearing white sheets on their heads. NAN State conference called for President Lt. General John Rosa to resign.
December 11th, 2015
NAN’s Youth Huddle celebrates its 2nd anniversary.
December 13th, 2015
NAN’s Youth Move protested in Chicago, IL for the resignation of Chicago Police board and Mayor Rahm Emanuel in Chicago, IL.
December 16, 2015
Rev. Al Sharpton, State President Elder Johnson and a NAN Delegation met with Lt. General John Rosa, President of Citadel Military University. After the meeting NAN is no longer seeking Lt. General John Rosa resignation.
December 21st, 2015
The HIV/AIDS committee of the NYC chapter, as a member of the End AIDS NY 2020 coalition, helped plan the Worlds AIDS Day event, a global day of action to commemorate those who have died as a result of HIV/AIDS and to recommit to combatting the epidemic. Marking the occasion, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a $500,000 commitment from the State to help fund the New York City AIDS Memorial, Additionally, the Governor committed $200 million to support HIV/AIDS efforts in 2016-2017 budget, supplementing the $2.5 billion the state currently directs to address HIV/AIDS.
Reverend Al Sharpton joins Education for a Better America, Macy’s, and College Summit to speak with low-income youth from high schools across New York City about careers and their futures at an assembly at the Humanities & the Arts Magnet High School in Cambria Heights, NY.
December 23, 2015
NAN Staten Island Office/Chapter host its annual Toy Giveaway providing over 500 toys to youth in the community.
December 25th, 2015
NAN hosts its annual Christmas Day dinner at the House of Justice feeding hundreds of homeless families, seniors, and giving away toys to children in the community. NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, Chiarah de Blasio, Assembly members Michael Blake and Keith Wright, Marc Morial from National Urban League, the Garner Family, R&B sensation Monifah, amongst the many dignitaries who attended the celebration to help serve.
The following Chapter leaders launched radio and TV shows this year. GET into the action in a city near you:
BIRMINGHAM, AL
“Talk of the Town”
WATV 900 AM
Monday – Friday
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 am
Open Mic Call in: 205-780-3800
– And –
WJLD 1400 AM
Monday – Friday
Time: 6:00 am – 8:00 am
Call in: 205-741-9553
Sheila Tyson, Chapter President
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2. DETROIT, MI
“Straight Up with Rev. Charles Williams II”
WFDF – AM 910
Monday thru Friday
Time: 3:00 – 7:00 pm
Rev. Charles Williams, II Chapter President
www.thewordnetwork.org
– and –
Action TV with Rev Charles Williams, II
The Word Network
Saturday’s, 11:00 PM Eastern Time
Check your local listings for channels (National Show)
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3. LOS ANGELES, CA
“Beyond The Walls”
KTYM – 1460 AM
Time: Every Wednesday Night
6:45 – 7:30
Rev. KW Tulloss, Chapter President
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4. SAN DIEGO, CA
“The Firing Line”
Kblkradio.com and local 89.1 AM
Time: 2:30pm – 2:50pm PST
Call in: 619-581-5192
Rev. Shane Harris, Chapter President
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5. TALLAHASSEE, FL
“Tallahassee National Action In Action”
WTAL -1450 AM
Every Tuesday
Time: 4:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Call-in: 850-671-1450
Rev. Don Tolliver, Chapter President
Email: [email protected]
– Plus –
“A Moment of Grace” (5 Minute Segment)
Rev. Franklyn Richardson, III, St. Lucia, Florida Chapter President
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6. WASHINGTON, DC
“Black History is 24/7- PERMANENTLY”
Nia 2X RADIO
VLB PRODUCTIONS (Internet Radio Station)
On 24 Hours
BlackonBlackunity.com
Email: [email protected]
Nia 2X, Chapter President