Profile: Al Sharpton
By William Saletan and Avi ZenilmanPosted Thursday, June 12, 2003, at 7:08 PM ET
Last week, Slate began a series of short features explaining who the 2004 presidential candidates are, what they've said and done, and where they propose to take the country. The first installment summarizes each candidate's personal and professional background. Today's subject is Al Sharpton.

Alfred Charles Sharpton Jr.
Web site: www.al2004.org.
Age: 48 (born Oct. 3, 1954).
Highest grade completed: Three years of college.
Political experience: None.
Previous jobs: Ordained minister since age 9 (1964-present); youth director, Operation Breadbasket (1969-71); founder/director, National Youth Movement (1971-1988); youth organizer for boxing promoter Don King (late 1970s-early 1980s); founder/director, National Action Network (1991-present).
Spouse: Kathy Jordan.
Children: Two teenage daughters.
Previous marriages: None.
Military history: None. Didn't turn 18 until 1972.
Medical history: None reported.
Parents' jobs: Father was a contractor; mother was a cleaning woman.
Net worth: Unknown.
Religion: Pentecostal.
Campaign song: "A Change Is Gonna Come" (Sam Cooke).
feedback | about us | help | advertise | newsletters | mobile
User Agreement and Privacy Policy | All rights reserved
- Today's Headlines
- New NFL Rule Will Force Players To Have One Of Three Appropriate Haircuts
Thu, 08 May 2008 01:00:37 -0400 - Number Of Acceptable Things Candidates Can Say Now Down To Four
Thu, 08 May 2008 01:00:34 -0400 - Peanut Allergies May Be Cured
Thu, 08 May 2008 01:00:29 -0400 - » More from the Onion
- Today's Opinions
- Sticking Points for Obama
Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT - Too Late to the Duck Hunt
Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT - The Card Clinton Is Playing
Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT - » More from washingtonpost.com
- Today's Headlines
- Q&A: Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert
Fri, 09 May 2008 00:25:08 GMT - Burma Cyclone: Exile Describes Victims' Anger
Thu, 08 May 2008 23:34:04 GMT - The Pentagon, the CIA, and Secret Iran Meetings
Thu, 08 May 2008 22:20:55 GMT - » More from Newsweek
- Today's Headlines
- Viva Vogue Italia!
Thu, 8 May 2008 18:17:41 GMT - Jazz: On the Cusp of a New Golden Age
Thu, 8 May 2008 15:36:33 GMT - Oakland A's Envy
Thu, 8 May 2008 17:23:29 GMT - » More from The Root

ballot box









