National Action Network 2014 One-Year Timeline
National Action Network 2014 One-Year Timeline
January 1, 2014
NAN’s National Executive Director, Janaye Ingram represented NAN at the inauguration of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio.
January 4, 2014
NAN’s Los Angeles, CA chapter led by Rev. KW Tulloss organized a peace walk to bring awareness about violence in the community.
January 8, 2014
NAN Youth Move held the “National Youth Day of Action Against Gun Violence” as part of NAN’s “Huddle” in New York, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Birmingham.
January 11, 2014
Dominique Sharpton helps kick off peace week along with NAN partner Lifecamp, Inc. and other elected officials and activists in front of NYC City Hall.
January 15, 2014
US Vice President Joe Biden delivered Keynote speech at NAN’s annual King Day Breakfast in Washington, D.C.
January 20, 2014
NAN’s annual King Day public Policy Forum is attended by leading elected officials and community members, including: US Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand; NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, NYC First Lady Chirlane McCray, and more.
January 20, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy In New York, NY for Myls Dobson, the four-year-old boy who was tortured and killed by his caretaker.
January 29, 2014
The Mayor of Hempstead, NY, Wayne J. Hall, Sr. presented Rev. Al Sharpton with a “key to the village”.
January 30, 2014
First “Legal Night” of 2014 at NAN’s House of Justice, which serves hundreds of New Yorkers offering them an opportunity to speak to attorney experts in fields such as criminal justice, family law, business law, personal injury, etc., it is held on the last Thursday of every month.
January 30, 2014
Rev. Sharpton releases a statement supporting the city of New York’s decision that ultimately resolved Floyd, et al. v. City of New York. The case brought into court what NAN and others have worked for years to establish regarding the racial profiling aspects of stop and frisk policing.
January 31, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton helped unveil the Shirley Chisholm Stamp at the United States Postal Service. At eighteen years old, Rev. Sharpton was the youth coordinator for her 1972 presidential campaign.
January 31, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton and NAN’s National Executive Director, Janaye Ingram named on the Grio 100 list.
February 2, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton spoke in Oakland, CA for the launch event of the new NAN chapter under the leadership of Dr. Charley Hames, Jr. He was joined by Congresswoman Barbara Lee and Oakland Mayor Jean Quan.
February 5, 2014
NAN convened the inaugural Black History Month Awards Luncheon in Los Angeles, CA. The awards program honors local leaders and corporations that have worked in the tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to promote Black culture and achievement. This year’s honorees were: Danny Bakewell Sr., Publisher of the Los Angeles Sentinel; Honorable Aja Brown, Mayor of Compton, CA; Jon Platt, President North America, Warner/Chappell Music; Reverend Xavier L. Thompson, Pastor, Southern Missionary Baptist Church; and Univision Communications Inc.
February 8, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton presents Aretha Franklin with her musical arts award at the BET Honors in Washington, D.C.
February 11, 2014
NAN hosted a clergy breakfast in Brooklyn, NY, which was attended by hundreds of local clergy members. NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and the First Lady of NYC Chirlane McCray addressed the luncheon, and spoke about the issue of universal PRE-K and after school access for New York children
February 11, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton attended the White House State Dinner for French President François Hollande at the White House in Washington, D.C.
February 15, 2014
The family of Noel Polanco a 22-year-old unarmed man was shot and killed in Queens by an NYPD detective last year joined NAN at their Saturday Action Rally after they settled their wrongful death lawsuit with the City of New York. NAN stood by the family of Noel Polanco throughout the case.
February 15, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton released a statement expressing NAN’s disappointment by the verdict in the case of Michael Dunn. Although he was convicted for attempted murder, the value of Jordan Davis’ life was not addressed in the verdict.
February 20, 2014
Rev. Sharpton participates in a panel discussion focused on VH1 Rock Docs “The Tanning of America”. The panel discussion was held at the Paley Center for Media in New York, NY and was moderated by Gayle King and featured other panelists Steve Stout, and NAS. Rev. Sharpton was featured in the documentary that aired on VH1 on February 24, 2014.
March 5, 2014
NAN’s National Executive Director, Janaye Ingram led a panel discussion on Movement Building with the New York Urban League Young Professionals.
March 5, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton released a statement applauding the City of New York’s decision to drop the lawsuit challenging Local Law 71, which bans “biased-based” profiling in law enforcement. In dropping the lawsuit, the city demonstrated their commitment to bettering relations with police and communities.
March 8, 2014
NAN’s Saturday Action Rally focused on the issue of universal PRE-K and after school access for New York City children. New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady of New York Chirlane McCray addressed the rally and spoke out on the need to support this important initiative along with various other New York City and State elected officials.
March 10, 2014
NAN led a march and rally against ‘stand your ground’ laws in Tallahassee, FL, Florida’ capitol. Rev. Sharpton gave the keynote address and was joined by the parents of Trayvon Martin, and their Attorney Benjamin Crump, the parents of Jordan Davis, and the family of Emmett Till.
March 13, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton released a statement commending New York State Senate for committing to fund pre-k classes for all children and after-school services for every middle school child.
March 15, 2014
New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer joined Rev. Al Sharpton at NAN’s Saturday Action Rally to introduce NYC’s first-ever Chief Diversity Officer, Carra Wallace.
March 20, 2014
Rev. Sharpton kicked off the Voter Bill of Rights Petition in Cincinnati, OH with State Representative Alicia Reece and NAN’s Greater Cincinnati Chapter President Bishop Bobby Hilton.
March 22, 2014
NAN’s National Executive Director, Janaye Ingram received the Spirit of Greatness Award from her alma mater, Clark Atlanta University.
March 25, 2014
NAN’s National Executive Director, Janaye Ingram received the Success in Stilettos Award from Living Out Loud Foundation.
March 27, 2014
NAN’s National Executive Director, Janaye Ingram received the Emerging Civil Rights Leadership Sister Award from the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation and Black Women’s Roundtable.
April 3, 2014
Rev. Sharpton, NAN Northeast Regional Director Kirsten John Foy and the retail task force that was formed after two high profile incidents of retail racial profiling in New York City met with NYPD Commissioner William Bratton. The meeting was set to engage the new Police Commissioner on NYPD policies related to ‘shop and frisk’. The civil rights leaders and major retailers who comprise the task force set a mandate in 2013 to reform corporate and public policies related to ‘shop and frisk’. This meeting was the next step in pursuit of this mandate.
April 4, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton spoke to high school students that traveled to NYC through former NFL player Nnamdi Asomugha’s foundation.
April 9-12, 2014
National Action Network held it’s Annual National Convention in NYC. Over 7,000 people attended, making this the largest civil rights event of the year. President Barack Obama gave the keynote address and US Attorney General Eric Holder gave a special plenary and three other Cabinet members spoke. Over four days leading members of Congress, national activists, clergy, business leaders, entertainers and more addressed the convention.
April 9, 2014
NAN hosted the 16th Annual Keepers of the Dream Awards. The awards were hosted by Rev. Al Sharpton and Wendy Williams with a special address from US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. Among the honorees were: Bishop Victor Curry, Founder, Senior Pastor, New Birth Baptist Church, Miami, FL; Deborah Elam, President, GE Foundation & Chief Diversity Officer, GE; Tamron Hall, Host, MSNBC “News Nation” & Co-Host of 9 a.m. hour of NBC’s TODAY; Gerry Hudson, International Executive Vice President, SEIU; Rachel Noerdlinger, Chief of Staff, Chirlane McCray, First Lady of New York City; Don Thompson, President & CEO, McDonald’s Corporation and Michael Weinstein, President, AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
April 9, 2014
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo appoints Michael A. Hardy, Esq to the Commission on Youth, Public Safety & Justice, which will provide concrete, actionable recommendations regarding youth in New York’s criminal and juvenile justice systems.
April 14, 2014
NAN holds a rally in Brooklyn, NY to support the family of Gama Droiville, the 13-year-old boy who was shot in the head and to speak out against recent gun violence in the community. The rally was led by: Kirsten John-Foy, Brooklyn Chapter President, National Action Network (NAN); Bishop Eric Garnes, President East Flatbush Chapter, of the National Action Network, East Brooklyn Chapter President, NAN and other NYC elected officials and clergy.
April 16, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton gave the keynote address at ‘Strengthening the Relationship between Law Enforcement and Communities of Color’, convened by the US Department of Justice at the Ford Foundation in New York, NY. Other speakers included US Associate Attorney General Tony West, NYC Police Commissioner Bill Bratton and NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio.
April 16, 2014
Reverend Al Sharpton joined the owners of NY Yankees, grandchildren of Nelson Mandela, the widow and daughter of Jackie Robinsion, to speak at Jackie Robinson Day at Yankee Stadium where they unveiled the Nelson Mandela Plaque at Monument Park at the stadium.
April 22, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton releases a statement on the Supreme Court’s decision upholding the state of Michigan’s ban of using race as a factor in affirmative action stating that it was a devastating blow to the civil rights community. He called for immediate mobilization of state referendums to counter this decision to protect the ongoing battle to redress the historic needed repairs to racial discrimination.
April 22, 2014
NAN announced the launch of the freedom summer campaign targeting ten states around the country. The goal of the campaign is to engage volunteers to support with voter registration and fighting voter suppression by providing critical support to voters. Rev. DeVes Toon set up national headquarters in Birmingham, AL.
April 23, 2014
Attorney Michael A. Hardy released a statement praising new federal clemency initiative, a new set of criteria the Justice Department and White House will use when considering clemency petitions from federal prisoners. The new criteria will help the Justice Department identify federal prisoners who, if sentenced today under current sentencing laws and policies, would likely have received a substantially lower sentence. Attorney Hardy shared that as part of the Clemency 2014 project that NAN is dedicated to contributing towards the success of this initiative.
April 23, 2014
Rev. Sharpton joins the100th anniversary celebration of Chicago’s Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL.
April 23, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton held a press conference to address Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino’s repeated violation of federal anti-discrimination laws over the past four years. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development sent a letter to Astorino threatening to reallocate $5.2 million in federal money to help build affordable housing, “because of the County’s failure to undertake remedial action”.
April 26, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton released a statement demanding that the NBA investigate and discipline LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling after a tape of him making racial comments was released.
April 27, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton released a statement saying that NAN would begin calling on advertisers to pull sponsorship of the LA Clippers if Donald Sterling was not disciplined.
April 28, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton and Steve Stoute spoke to State Farm, a sponsor of the LA Clippers, who withdrew their support along with several other major advertisers.
April 29, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton applauds NBA Commissioner Adam Silver for the lifetime ban of LA Clippers owner Donald Sterling and monetary fine. Commissioner Adam Silver and Rev. Sharpton spoke shortly after the announcement and agreed to work with each other on civil rights issues in the NBA.
April 29, 2014
NAN Los Angeles, CA Chapter led by President Rev. K.W. Tulloss held a rally in front of the LA Clippers game after Commissioner Adam Silver’s announcement of the lifetime ban of Donald Sterling to urge the NBA to continue discipline and oust him from the league.
May 3, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton attended the White House Correspondent’s Dinner at the White House in Washington, D.C.
May 9, 2014
NAN praises NBA Commissioner Adam Silver for appointing Dick Parsons as CEO of the Los Angeles Clippers.
May 10, 2014
NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady of NYC Chirlane McCray join Rev. Al Sharpton at a prayer vigil in front of the Nigerian Consulate in New York City in support of the abducted Nigerian schoolgirls.
May 16, 2014
NAN commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Brown vs. The Topeka, Kansas School Board decision. NAN vows to remain vigilant in the fight for equal public education access for all children.
March 22, 2014
NAN’s National Executive Director, Janaye Ingram spoke at a Camden, NJ Save Our Schools Rally at Camden City hall.
May 24, 2014
Javier Payne, the 14-year-old boy from Bronx NY, who was allegedly smashed through a store’s plate glass window by a New York police officer, joins Rev. Sharpton and NAN Northeast Regional Director Kirsten John Foy at NAN’s ‘Saturday action rally’ with his family. NAN stood in support of the Payne family against the police’s use of excessive force in this case.
May 31, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton holds National Action Network’s ‘Saturday Action Rally’ in honor of Dr. Maya Angelou, who passed away on May 28, 2014. After the rally attendees joined Rev. Sharpton as he laid a wreath in front of Dr. Maya Angelou’s home in Harlem, NY.
June 2, 2014
NAN hosts 5th annual Triumph Awards in New York City honoring those who have made a positive impact beyond their performance on stage, in the arts, public service, and in the community. Honorees included: Steve Benjamin, Mayor of Columbia, SC; Frank Cooper, Chief Marketing Officer, PepsiCo Global Beverages Group; Misty Copeland, Soloist, American Ballet Theater; Michelle Ebanks, President of ESSENCE Communications, Inc. and People en Espanol; Kevin Liles, Founder and CEO, KWL Enterprises; Sanford Rubenstein, Esq., Rubenstein & Rynecki; and Steve White, President, West Division, Comcast Cable.
June 2, 2014
Education for a Better America (EBA) and NAN hosted a career awareness day with Rev. Al Sharpton as the keynote speaker at Miami Northwestern High School and Booker T. Washington High School in Miami, FL. The event was part of EBA’s career pipeline initiative and spotlighted the Education Effect, FIU’s university community school partnership with Miami-Dade County public schools, as well as careers in communications and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).
June 2, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton and other civil rights leaders meet with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to discuss the LA Clippers matter and address civil rights issues within the NBA moving forward.
June 11, 2014
Rev. Sharpton keynotes the interfaith leaders conference at the United Nations in New York City, on “Why Religious Leaders Matter In The Fight Against The Exploitation Of Women And Children, towards The 2030 Agenda”
June 12, 2014
Michael A. Hardy, Esq., NAN’s Executive Vice President and General Counsel, keynotes Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Commencement Ceremony.
June 14, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton hosts a special Father’s Day rally at NAN’s House of Justice standing with the parents of P.J. Avitto to call for an end to violence in the community. P.J. was six years old when he was killed in Brooklyn, NY. Other families whose children have been victims of violence joined in solidarity.
June 19, 2014
Dominique Sharpton keynotes the anniversary of ‘Juneteenth’ at the Wyandach Public Library in Wyandach, NY. The event was hosted by the Nassau County chapter of National Action Network and the public school board of Wyandach, NY. public schools.
June 20, 2014
NAN’s National Executive Director, Janaye Ingram spoke on a panel at the A. Philip Randolph Convention in Reno, NV.
June 21, 2014
NAN announced a major expansion of NAN’s senior staff with civil rights veterans, gearing up for the freedom summer campaign. The new team members include: Rev. Nelson B. Rivers, VP of Religious Affairs and External Relations; Trudy Grant Manager, Religious Affairs and External Relations; and Rev. Charles White, Director of Field Operations.
June 23, 2014
Dominique Sharpton is the commencement speaker for Asbury Park, NJ. High School graduation in Asbury Park, NJ.
June 27, 2014
NAN’s National Executive Director, Janaye Ingram was the plenary speaker at the National Organization of Women Annual conference in Phoenix, AZ.
July 2, 2014
NAN’s National Executive Director, Janaye Ingram was named one of the Female Faces of the New Civil Rights Movement by BET.
July 4, 2014
NAN’s National Executive Director, Janaye Ingram speaks at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, LA during the “Meet-up Professionals & Entrepreneurs” session.
July 6, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton was honored at 20th anniversary of Essence Festival with the Icon Award. He was surprised in front of 75,000 people at the Superdome in New Orleans. The award acknowledged his service as one of America’s greatest civil rights heroes. The Award was presented by: Kadiatou Diallo, mother of Amadou Diallo; Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin and Founder of the Trayvon Martin Foundation; and Nicole Paultre Bell, fiancée of Sean Bell and President and Founder of When It’s Real, It’s Forever Inc.; joined to thank him for his support. Vanessa K. Bush, ESSENCE Editor-in-Chief and Michelle Ebanks, President of ESSENCE, reflected on his contributions to the magazine over the past two decades. Rev. Sharpton was also inducted into the hall of fame and moderated the “What’s at StakeII” panel during Essence Festival 2014.
July 8-9, 2014
National Action Network holds first the annual Policy & Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. The event brought together NAN Chapter Leaders, members, partners and leaders in the civil rights community. The two-day conference “NAN’s Hill Day” focused on pressing issues, policies, and legislation that work toward achieving Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream. Rev. Al Sharpton along with many other notable leaders and elected officials spoke including David J. Johns the executive director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans Speakers and attendees included: US Secretary of Labor Tom Perez, Federal Communications Commission Commissioner Mignon Clyburn Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Rep. Joyce Beatty, Rep. James Clyburn, Rep. John Conyers, Rep. Steny Hoyer, Rep. Sheila Jackson, Rep. Hakim Jeffries, Rep Eddie Bernice Johnson, Rep. Bobby Scott, Rep. Fredricka Wilson, and many more.
July 12, 2014
NAN’s Youth Huddle leads a lie-in in Queens, NY to protest gun violence in the community.
July 14, 2014
NAN’s Youth Huddle leads a lie-in in Newark, NJ to protest gun violence in the community.
July 16, 2014
Rev. Sharpton receives the Phi Beta Sigma Founder’s Award at the Fraternity’s Centennial in Washington D.C.
July 18, 2014
National Action Network’s Brooklyn conference, led by NAN Northeast Regional Director Kirsten John Foy holds it’s summer resource day, bringing New York City Hall to Central Brooklyn. The day featured resource tables from various community based organizations and appearances by New York City and New York state officials. Rev. Sharpton broadcasted his nationally syndicated radio show “Keepin’ It Real with Rev. Al Sharpton” live from the event. Organizations and city agencies provided resources around education, housing, legal, and physical/mental health services access.
July 19, 2014
The family of Eric Garner joins Rev. Sharpton at NAN’s ‘Saturday Action Rally’. Eric Garner a 43-year-old Staten Island father of 6, died on July 17, 2014 after being choked by officers who were detaining him. He later held a rally with the Garner family, faith based leaders, and community activists in Staten Island before marching to the local Staten Island police precinct.
July 20, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton preached at the historic Riverside Church in New York City. During his sermon he calls on faith-based leaders to come together to demand justice for the family of Eric Garner. Rev. Sharpton also led a special prayer at Riverside for the victims of the Malaysia Airlines crash where 239 were killed.
July 22, 2014
Esaw Garner, Gwen Carr and other friends and family of Eric Garner join National Action Network for a vigil the day before Mr. Garner is laid to rest in Staten Island, NY.
July 23, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton delivers eulogy at the funeral for Eric Garner in Brooklyn, NY. Hundreds of family and community members attended the service to pay respects to Mr. Garner and the family.
July 25, 2014
Rev. Sharpton, along with family members of Eric Garner, meet with the US Attorney of the Civil Rights Division for the Eastern District in Brooklyn, NY.
July 30, 2014
National Action Network and partners hold grand opening of Freedom Summer National Headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama. The headquarters served as the central training hub for Freedom Summer volunteers being deployed to communities across the country. NAN focused on key states with organizing efforts that included voter registration, educating individuals on issues on the ballot, fighting voter suppression and supporting individuals in getting out to the polls in November. Rev. Al Sharpton was joined by the Honorable Sheila Tyson, President of the Birmingham NAN Chapter and Birmingham Councilwoman; Beverly Gordon, President of the Eutaw, AL NAN Chapter; the Honorable William A. Bell, Sr., Mayor of Birmingham; Jonathan Austin; Birmingham City Council President; Dr. Carroll A. Baltimore, President of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.; and members of County Council and the AL State Legislature along with other distinguished members of the clergy, and community leaders.
July 31, 2014
Rev. Sharpton meets at City Hall with NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, NYPD Commissioner William Bratton and faith leaders in wake of Eric Garner case.
August 4, 2014
NAN’s EVP & General Counsel Michael A. Hardy joins MSNBC’s The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell to discuss the Eric Garner case.
August 8, 2014
NAN Northeast Regional Director Kirsten John Foy and NAN’s Law Enforcement Public Safety Coalition members met with the new NYPD Inspector General and the Commissioner for the Department of Investigation. The meeting presented NAN’s observations and recommendations on the Eric Garner case as well as other similar cases. National Action Network Law Enforcement Public Safety Coalition members addressed press at the conclusion of the closed meeting.
August 10, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton was honored at the McDonald’s 365Black Awards, held in New Orleans, LA and broadcast on BET and Centric.
August 10, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton dispatches Rev. DeVes Toon to Ferguson, MO to support the family of Michael Brown, after the Brown family requested NAN’s involvement, on behalf of National Action Network.
August 11, 2014
NAN’s National Executive Director, Janaye Ingram spoke at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) Annual conference in Birmingham, AL.
August 12, 2014
Rev. Sharpton and the family of Michael Brown hold a rally at the Greater St. Marks Family Church, in an effort to calm tension in the city and to continue to pursue justice.
August 14, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton spoke by phone to, St Louis County Police Chief John Belmar. After a candid exchange Sharpton called on the Department of Justice and others to monitor what is going on in Ferguson, MO on the ground; after a night where police arrested reporters and others were tear gassed while protesting.
August 16, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton stands with the family of Eric Garner and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, who has led a congressional delegation in calling for the US Department of Justice to take over the Garner case; at NAN’s ‘Saturday Action Rally’.
August 17, 2014
National Action Network, National Bar Association and the family of Michael Brown hold a rally in support of justice for Michael Brown Jr. Rev. Al Sharpton, Michael Brown Jr.’s parents, and their Attorney Benjamin Crump all address the rally.
August 21, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton and the family of Eric Garner meet with Loretta Lynch, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. The meeting was called at the request of the Garner family to appeal for a federal intervention in the investigation of the Eric Garner case, an unarmed man killed by a chokehold.
August 23, 2014
National Action Network led the ‘We Will Not Go Back’ march with the family of Eric Garner in Staten Island, NY. Fifteen thousand people come out to march and rally calling on justice for Eric Garner.
August 25, 2014
Rev. Sharpton delivers the eulogy at the funeral for Michael Brown Jr., and calls for justice for the Brown family.
September 2, 2014
Rev. Sharpton speaks at Yale University advocating for abolishing the death penalty in a debate hosted by the Yale Political Union in New Haven, CT.
September 4, 2014
Rev. Sharpton speaks at the National Baptist Convention in New Orleans, LA, about the need for the black church to join the civil rights community on the ground for voter registration. Rev. Sharpton also discusses National Action Network (NAN) calling for a full federal investigation into the death of Victor White III, a 22-year-old Louisiana man who died while in police custody in March 2014 in Iberia, LA.
September 4, 2014
NAN’s Los Angeles, CA Chapter President Rev. K.W. Tulloss marched and was arrested at the ‘National Day of Civil Disobedience’ as he and NAN LA stood in solidarity with food workers around the country. NAN’s Detroit, MI Chapter President Rev. Charles Williams holds a sit-in, in Detroit demanding fair wages for food workers.
September 10-11, 2014
Education For a Better America and NAN Youth Move partnered with the White House Initiative for Educational Excellence for African Americans, Georgia State Univ., and Georgia Tech for a S.T.E.A.M. Tour in Atlanta, GA on September 10 at Carver Early College High School and Georgia Institute of Technology.
September 13, 2014
The family of Eric Garner join’s Rev. Al Sharpton at NAN’s ‘Saturday Action Rally’. The family honored Mr. Garner’s memory and celebrated his life in advance of what would have been his 44th birthday
on September 15th.
September 13, 2014
Rev. Carlton Lee, NAN’s Ferguson Chapter President, Michael Brown’s family Attorney, Anthony Gray and the mother and father of Michael Brown, (Michael Brown Sr. and Lesley McSpadden), hold a vigil in front of the St. Louis County Department of Justice Services, demanding that Officer Darren Wilson who killed Michael Brown be arrested.
September 15, 2014
Rev. Sharpton joins Cardinal Timothy Dolan at his residence at St. Patrick’s Cathedral with Mayor Bill de Blasio, NYPD Commissioner William Bratton, NYPD Chaplain Father Carlos Rodriguez, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, and other religious leaders to discuss their relationship with the NYPD following the death of Eric Garner.
September 21, 2014
National Action Network’s NYC Chapter and Youth Huddle lead African American Day Parade in Harlem, NY with Dominique and Ashley Sharpton as this year’s Grand Marshals.
September 24, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton and National Action Network host annual ‘Action & Authority Reception’ during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) 44th Annual Legislative Conference. The reception honored women who answered the call to action.Honorees included: Chanelle Hardy, Senior Vice President For Policy and Executive Director; National Urban League; Robin Kelly, U.S Representative, 2nd District of Illinois; Yvette M. Miley, Vice President and Executive Editor, MSNBC; Alicia Reece, Ohio House State Representative, 33rd House District. They were joined by Congressman André Carson, U.S. Representative, 7th District of Illinois; Congressman Al Green, U.S. Representative, 9th District of Texas, and Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee, U.S. Representative, 18th District of Texas.
September 24, 2014
NAN’s Detroit, MI Chapter President Rev. Charles Williams holds rally against water shut offs for Detroit residents.
September 25, 2014
National Action Network, National Urban League, NAACP, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP) and National Bar Association joined the families of Michael Brown and Eric Garner to demand justice and accountability in the deaths of the unarmed men at the hands of police in Ferguson, Missouri and Staten Island, NY at a press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. The families of Brown and Garner, along with civil rights leaders, called on the U.S. Department of Justice to take over investigations into both cases and press for federal civil rights charges to be brought against the officers responsible, as well as to carry out federal reviews of police misconduct and implement key recommendations for police reform. They also demanded an end to the contemptible tactics by local prosecutors designed to impede the legal process while demonizing the victims, and called for prosecutors to immediately indict the officers involved in both killings.
September 29, 2014
NAN’s National Executive Director, Janaye Ingram, partners with NAN Youth Move Huddle to hold a domestic violence town hall that dived into what domestic or intimate partner violence is, who is affected by it, how to seek out help, and what are the consequences. The panel was moderated by NBC Today Show co-host and MSNBC NewsNation Host Tamron Hall. Panelists include: Dr. Jeff Gardere, respected mental health specialist known as “America’s Psychologist”; Janaye Ingram, National Action Network’s National Executive Director; Rose Pierre-Louis, Commissioner, NYC Mayor’s Office To Combat Domestic Violence; Monifah, Singer and co-star of TV One’s R&B Diva’s; and Terrie Williams, author of “Black Pain”.
October 1, 2014
Rev. Sharpton celebrates his 60th birthday, at the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York, NY at the “birthday for a cause” event hosted by friends. He is joined by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Aretha Franklin, Spike Lee and many more.
October 1, 2014
NAN’s National Executive Director, Janaye Ingram met with NFL officers to address the lack of diversity in their domestic violence task force.
October 1-2, 2014
In celebration of Rev. Sharpton’s 60th birthday NAN and Education for a Better America (EBA) hosts a two-day education summit at New York University with prominent national leaders in education. The event featured NYU President John Sexton, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Education Jim Shelton, Georgetown Professor Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, President of American Federation of Teachers Randi Weingarten and more.
October 2, 2014
Rev. Sharpton closes out his 60th Birthday celebrations with a gospel concert at First Corinthian Baptist Church in Harlem for the community. Free tickets were given to hundreds of National Action Network members and supporters. The inspirational gospel concert features Yolanda Adams and Marvin Sapp.
October 5, 2014
Rev. Carlton Lee, NAN’s Ferguson Chapter President, Michael Brown’s family Attorney Anthony Gray, and family of Michael Brown hold a press conference calling for the arrest of Officer Darren Wilson; who killed Michael Brown.
October 7, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton keynotes a leadership forum In Florida for a ‘Voter Rights Drive’ encouraging Floridians to protect voter rights and to get out the vote.
October 9, 2014
NAN’s EVP and General Counsel Michael A. Hardy co-moderates panel hosted by National Bar Association at “Know Your Rights Forum: Working Together to Eradicate Police Brutality” at New York City Mission Society’s Minisink Townhouse in Harlem, NY.
October 10, 2014
NAN’s EVP and General Counsel Michael A. Hardy joins as a panelist at National Bar Association’s 25th annual Wiley A. Branton Issues Symposium, for the panel Affirmative Action: Post -Grutter, Fisher, and Schuette. The symposium was held at St. John’s University in Queens, NY.
October 16, 2014
NAN’s Los Angeles Chapter led by Rev. KW Tulloss hosts the African American Vanguard Awards, honoring Rev. Al Sharpton and celebrating his 60th birthday. Additional honorees included: Debbie Allen, dancer, choreographer, actress; Karen Bass, Representative, 37th Congressional District of California; Aja Brown, Mayor of Compton, CA; Chris Brown, Mayor of Hawthorne, CA; Tyrese Gibson, singer and actor; Holly Mitchell, California State Senator, 26th District; Mark Wridley-Thomas, Los Angeles County Supervisor and more.
October 18, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton denounces officer Darren Wilson’s reported testimony to the grand jury in Ferguson, MO at NAN’s ‘Saturday Action Rally’ at the House of Justice in Harlem, NY. He announces a four day Michael Brown weekend, symbolic of the four hours he lay in the street dying.
October 19, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton preaches at both morning services at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, IL. In his morning message he urges African Americans to vote in their statewide election on November 4th encouraging them to show up in unprecedented numbers to support candidates on a local and statewide level, that will fight both gun violence and police brutality.
October 23, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton speaks at Tennessee State University where he includes disparities in sports, business and politics in his address. He also calls for students and individuals across the state to vote on November 4th.
October 23, 2014
Dominique Sharpton moderates the Empowerment panel Turn up, taking it to the next level of success during “The Hottest Homecoming Tour” with Source Magazine at HBCU’s, at Tuskegee University in Tuskegee, AL.
October 24, 2014
Rev Al Sharpton speaks at a leadership luncheon, at the Benedict College Annual Alumni Banquet in Columbia, SC, urging African Americans across the state to vote in the election.
October 25, 2014
Newark, NJ Mayor Ras Baraka joins Rev. Al Sharpton at the House of Justice in Harlem, NY for NAN’s ‘Saturday Action Rally’ for ‘Jersey day’. Aletha Maybank, Associate Commissioner/Founding Director, Center for Health Equity, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene also addresses the rally, updating the public about the reported cases of Ebola in New York at that time.
October 28, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton joins NAN’s Clayton-Henry, GA Chapter for a press conference rallying for the improvement of public transportation and for the return of MARTA Transit to the area. He later keynotes a ‘Hands Up Vote’ rally at the Center of Hope Church of God in Christ in Riverdale, GA.
October 31 – November 1, 2014
Rev. Sharpton and National Action Network hold a four-day “Justice for Michael Brown” Weekend, organized by Rev. DeVes Toon-one day for each hour Michael Brown laid in the street after being shot by officer Darren Wilson. Rev. Al Sharpton, Michael Brown’s parents Lesley McSpadden and Michael Brown, Sr., NAN Ferguson Chapter President Rev. Carlton Lee, and Brown Family Attorney Anthony Gray host a leadership breakfast for local clergy. The luncheon featured a ‘Justice Disciples’ swearing in where individuals were deputized as ‘Disciples of Justice’ and instructed on their responsibility as volunteers to monitor police-community interactions after the grand jury verdict was released. NAN’s Youth Move led by NAN National Youth Director Mary-Pat Hector hosted the “Michael Brown Night Out” youth activity, distributing candy, scarves, and hats to protesters. The last day featured a “Community Get Out The Vote” rally.
November 7, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton keynotes the AIDS Healthcare Foundation “AIDS Is a Civil Rights Issue” Conference in Las Vegas, NV.
November 11, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton joins NAN Board member Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III at Friendship-West Baptist Church where he is Senior Pastor for a Social Justice Revival hosted by the National Action Network. Bishop Victor T. Curry, Senior Florida and Southeast Regional Director of NAN also joined. The event featured information sessions on topics related to the Texas Voter ID Law, the Affordable Healthcare Act, building coalitions for social movements, and leadership development for engaging community transformation.
November 11, 2014
Dominique Sharpton moderates the Empowerment panel Turn up, taking it to the next level of success during “The Hottest Homecoming Tour” with Source Magazine at HBCU’s, at Fisk University in Nashville, TN.
November 13, 2014
Dominique Sharpton moderates the Empowerment panel Turn up, taking it to the next level of success during “The Hottest Homecoming Tour” with Source Magazine at HBCU’s, at Dillard University in New Orleans, LA.
November 14, 2014
NAN’s National Executive Director, Janaye Ingram met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to address increasing diversity within the league head offices, NFL Network and partners, specifically representing black women.
November 18, 2014
A Quinnipiac University Poll released says that Rev. Al Sharpton has been viewed favorably by over 69% of Blacks polled in New York City and viewed negatively by under 20%. He also outpolled everyone including the President as the most important Black leader in the city. The poll stated that Blacks overwhelmingly feel (67%) that he has the right amount of influence on the Mayor, as opposed to too much (9%). Generally all polled viewed him as a positive force (47%) in New York City, rather than a negative one.
November 20, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton meets with Senator Rand Paul in Washington, D.C. They discuss criminal justice issues and more, pledging to continue to have such conversations where conservatives and progressives can have dialogue and break the log jam in American discussion.
November 22, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton and NAN Northeast Regional Director Kirsten John Foy are joined by the sister of Akai Gurley, Akisha Pringle, and domestic partner / mother of his daughter, Kimberly Ballinger, at NAN’s ‘Saturday Action Rally’ at the House of Justice in Harlem, NY. Akai Gurley was a 28 year old unarmed man who was fatally shot by police In East New York
November 22, 2014
Rev. Sharpton speaks at James Brown Way street naming at 126th St. and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. in Harlem, NY joined by Brown’s daughter Deanna Brown and Congressman Charlie Rangel.
November 25, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton joins Michael Brown’s family at a press conference in St Louis, MO the day after the Ferguson grand jury decision not to indict Officer Darren Wilson for killing Michael Brown is announced.
November 25, 2014
National Action Network Chapters leaders led by Rev. DeVes Toon organized 36 cities around the country meet at federal court houses against the decision. Including leaders Of NAN Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn Chapters. Northeast Regional Director Kirsten John Foy, Joined By NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer & Councilman Jumaane Williams at The United States Federal Court House Eastern District Court In Brooklyn, New York. In Newark, NJ, NAN’s New Jersey State President, Rev. Dr. David Jefferson Sr. Esq., NAN’s NJ State Organizer Rev.Dr. Steffie Bartley, and Newark, NJ Mayor Ras Baraka meet at the United States Attorney’s office in Newark, NJ.
November 26, 2014
Michael Brown’s mother, Lesley Mcspadden, and father Michael Brown, along With Eric Garner’s wife Esaw Garner, mother Gwen Carr, and the Domestic Partner Of Akai Gurley join Rev. Al Sharpton at the House Of Justice in Harlem, NY for a Thanksgiving eve of bonding and prayer.
November 27, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton serves Thanksgiving dinner to homeless, seniors and community members at National Action Network for the annual Thanksgiving dinner, joined by NYC Assemblyman Keith Wright, NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer and NYC City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito.
November 28, 2014
NAN Youth Huddle joins other youth groups at Herald Square in New York City for a demonstration in response to the non-indictment of officer Darren Wilson in the Ferguson grand jury decision in the case of Michael Brown.
November 30, 2014
Churches nationwide pause for a ‘Moment Of Justice’ for Michael Brown during their morning worship services across the country. Rev. Al Sharpton preached the morning message in St. Louis, MO at the church where Michael Brown’s funeral was held, joined by Michael Brown Sr. and Lesley Mcspadden. Rev. Sharpton and Michael Brown Sr. then went to the location of Brown’s home church, led by NAN’s Ferguson Chapter Rev. Carlton Lee. The church was firebombed and the pair visited to kick off fundraising to rebuild the church.
December 1, 2014
Rev. Sharpton met at the White House in Washington, D.C. with President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Attorney General Eric Holder, law enforcement, civil rights leaders, and young grassroots activists around Michael Brown, Eric Garner and other similar cases involving police violence.
December 3, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton is joined by Eric Garner’s mother Gwen Carr and widow Esaw Garner on PoliticsNation hours after the Staten Island, NY grand jury announced they would not indict Officer Daniel Pantaleo in the chokehold death of Eric Garner. The three later held a press conference at NAN’s ‘House of Justice’ in Harlem, NY.
December 4, 2014
National Action Network announces Janaye Ingram as NAN’s National Executive Director.
December 4, 2014
Rev. Sharpton and Eric Garner’s widow, Esaw Garner appeared on the NBC’s “Today Show” and were then joined by Eric Garner’s mother Gwen Carr on “CBS This Morning”.
December 4, 2014
National civil rights leaders convened at NAN’s ‘House of Justice’ in Harlem, NY for a national summit on policing. Rev. Al Sharpton co-chaired the convening with Marc Morial, President Of National Urban League.
December 6, 2014
NAN’s National Youth Director, Mary-Pat Hector leads a “die in” with Youth Move and youth leaders at Lenox Mall in Atlanta, GA, to bring awareness about the cases of Michael Brown, Eric Garner and others.
December 7, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton and Eric Garner’s Widow Esaw Garner appeared on NBC’s ‘Meet the Press” discussing the no indictment decision in the Staten Island, NY grand jury.
December 10, 2014
NAN’s Northeast Regional Director Kirsten John Foy along with the widow of Eric Garner, Esaw Garner and their children Erica and Emery join as guests on the live special “Justice For Us: A BET Town Hall”.
December 13, 2014
The National ‘Justice For All’ march is led by Rev. Al Sharpton, and the families of Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, John Crawford, Akai Gurley, Amadou Diallo, and Trayvon Martin. Roughly 50,000 people marched in Washington, D.C. calling on action and policies addressing police misconduct and brutality.
December 14, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton speaks at New Orleans, LA churches addressing the national drive against police brutality. Black churches nationwide joined in addressing the issue with ‘Black Sunday’ at services.
December 18, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton and Marc Morial, President of National Urban League meet with Sony Pictures Co-Chairman Amy Pascal around the leaked racially tinged emails between her and a major producer. During the meeting they discussed the emails and the lack of diversity in the Hollywood film industry hierarchy.
December 18, 2014
NAN’s National Youth Director, Mary-Pat Hector holds a forum for young people in Atlanta, GA on what role mental health plays in the movement. They are joined by licensed mental health professionals.
December 19, 2014
NAN’s National Youth Director, Mary-Pat Hector leads a “die in” with young people at Perimeter Mall in Atlanta, GA, bringing awareness to the cases of Michael Brown, Eric Garner and others.
December 21, 2014
Rev. Al Sharpton is joined by Eric Garner’s mother Gwen Carr and widow Esaw Garner for a press conference at the ‘House of Justice’, denouncing the killing of the two NYPD police officers in Brooklyn, NY and any connection of Eric Garner’s name to any violence. Rev. Sharpton and the Garners offered their prayers for the families.
December 22, 2014
NAN’s Northeast Regional Director Kirsten John Foy, NAN Youth Huddle led by Dominique Sharpton and Ashley Sharpton, along with Eric Garner’s daughter Emerald Garner lay a wreath and pause in prayer for the two fallen NYPD officers at the site where they were killed in Brooklyn, NY.
December 25, 2014
National Action Network hosts its annual Christmas dinner and toy giveaway at the ‘House of Justice’, in Harlem, NY providing a hot meal ,toys for youth, and sense of community. The family of Eric Garner spends Christmas with Rev. Al Sharpton and NAN on their first Christmas without Eric Garner. The parent’s of Sean Bell also attend and help serve Christmas dinner along with Rev. Sharpton and the Garners.