Top quotes by Al Sharpton

In 1999, I was in St. Louis with Martin Luther King III as we led protests against the state's failure to hire minority contractors for highway construction projects. We went at dawn on a summer day with over a thousand people and performed acts of civil disobedience. Votes: 48

As I often say, we have come a long way from the days of slavery, but in 2014, discrimination and inequality still saturate our society in modern ways. Though racism may be less blatant now in many cases, its existence is undeniable. Votes: 37

I could have easily been a statistic. Growing up in Brooklyn, N.Y., it was easy - a little too easy - to get into trouble. Surrounded by poor schools, lack of resources, high unemployment rates, poverty, gangs and more, I watched as many of my peers fell victim to a vicious cycle of diminished opportunities and imprisonment. Votes: 27

There's no reason why children in inner cities or rural areas do not receive the same quality education or opportunities as those in suburbs or wealthy neighborhoods. If we truly believe in giving all citizens a chance to pursue happiness and pursue their goals, then we cannot continue to marginalize entire groups of people. Votes: 24

The resignation of Attorney General Eric Holder is met with both pride and disappointment by the Civil Rights community. We are proud that he has been the best Attorney General on Civil Rights in U.S. history and disappointed because he leaves at a critical time when we need his continued diligence most. Votes: 22

Everything from who sits on your local board of education to the prosecutors and judicial appointments in your area and much more are all impacted by who holds political office. Votes: 18

Following Michael Brown's death, I went to Ferguson and met with his parents. I stood with them as they tried to hold their heads high and deal with both their immense loss and the larger issues of police-community relations. Votes: 18

Either we need to redefine what probable cause means and say that police are not subject to it, or we arrest officers right away just as we would with any other person accused of committing a crime. Either we write new laws or enforce existing ones; we cannot have it both ways. Votes: 16

Let me be clear: as I have said repeatedly, I do not believe that all police officers are bad, nor do I believe that most are bad. But there must be a transparent, impartial and fair system to judge those that engage in criminal or unethical acts. Votes: 15

We're not anti-police... we're anti-police brutality. Votes: 14

If the black vote does not come out in big numbers in the age of Ferguson and voter ID, it will empower our adversaries and enhance our marginalization. Votes: 13

From racial profiling and being pulled over just for 'driving while black' to this new phenomenon of killing unarmed people out of some preconceived idea of fear, our lives and our children's lives are not being valued. Votes: 11

If it weren't for the mentorship and guidance from people like my mother, James Brown and others, I wouldn't have been able to make something of my life. Votes: 11

We're not willing to give black leaders second chances because, in most cases, we're not willing to give them first chances. Votes: 10

I very rarely read any fiction. I love biographies; I read about all kinds of people. I love theology and some philosophy. Votes: 10

When you loot or behave violently, you give grounds to those that try to justify illegal police abuse. You become the poster child for them to say, 'See, we have no choice but to shoot and kill, or use a chokehold, because just look at the way they behave.' Votes: 9

The horrific cases in Ferguson, in Staten Island with the death of Eric Garner, and all across the country serve as stark reminders that we must have a say in who polices us, and how that policing is done. We must, we must, let our voices be heard on Election Day. Votes: 9

When we look at the situation in Ferguson, Missouri and the tragic death of Michael Brown, we are reminded of the importance of who we elect to our city councils, who sits on our local board of education committees, who we pick to represent us in Congress, in the Senate and more. Votes: 8

Local prosecutors work alongside local police officers on a regular basis and are therefore conflicted when it comes to prosecuting those same officers. They are under extreme pressure from local police unions and from rank-and-file cops. Votes: 7

Countries around the world have their own immigration laws and methods of dealing with a recurring theme: desperate people searching for peace from volatile parts of the world. And nations everywhere thrive and prosper from the contributions of immigrants and the children of immigrants - including right here in the U.S. Votes: 7

National Action Network, the group I founded, has affiliates or chapters in over 40 cities around the country. Votes: 7

You don't need any indictment in order to arrest someone; probable cause is sufficient to arrest civilians, so it must be enough to arrest police. Votes: 7

As a preacher who has spent significant time in churches and houses of worship all across the country, I can tell you firsthand that religious liberty and freedom are principles that can never be infringed upon. Votes: 6

Civilians are arrested every single day - including innocent ones - and they must wait until their day in court in order to argue their side of the story. Police officers must be subjected to the same rules. Votes: 6

The right wing always mobilizes around constitutional amendments: the right to bear arms, school prayer. Votes: 5

One of the reasons I get so much joy out of my own children's childhoods is that I'm having my first childhood myself. Votes: 5

When people discuss the 1960s and the great Civil Rights Era, they often speak in romantic terms as if there wasn't immense work put in, and as if there wasn't immense sacrifice that took place. But none of those battles were easily fought and won; there were sustained movements behind them. Votes: 3

If O.J. had been accused of killing his black wife, you would not have seen the same passion stirred up. Votes: 3

When the culture of police departments is sometimes infused with bias or preconceived ideas against certain groups, there needs to be reform and retraining throughout. And unfortunately, we cannot rely on local departments to police themselves; we need intervention from the top. Votes: 2

In Ferguson, there are witnesses who say Brown had his hands up when he was shot. That should be enough probable cause to go to trial to then determine if Officer Wilson is guilty or not. It is at trial that he can then defend himself and his attorneys can present their own witnesses and their own defense. Votes: 2

I do believe the Democratic party has moved far to the right. I do believe that the party has a bunch of elephants running around in donkey clothes. Votes: 0

It is up to us to change laws on the books like 'Stand Your Ground' laws and push elected officials to enact regulations that hold police officers to the same standards as the rest of society. This is why we vote. Votes: 0

Like myself, President Obama is the father of two daughters. He understands the obstacles that they face as women, but he also understands the emergency of the state of young black men in America. Votes: 0

The United States isn't a dictatorship ruling with a brutal army and an iron fist, so our police departments must understand that they are there to serve and protect us - all of us. And when they do commit crimes, they must be arrested and prosecuted like anyone else, bottom line. Votes: 0

The boxing world is full of all kinds of corruption. Votes: 0

I was raised by a single mother who made a way for me. She used to scrub floors as a domestic worker, put a cleaning rag in her pocketbook and ride the subways in Brooklyn so I would have food on the table. But she taught me as I walked her to the subway that life is about not where you start, but where you're going. That's family values. Votes: 0

It seems some have chosen to ignore or have simply forgotten the big-picture vision promoted by Dr. King and his kin. Votes: 0

My ordination in the Church of God in Christ was at age 9, and I later became a Baptist minister, which I am today. Votes: 0

I always beat the sun up in the morning. It's the secret to why I'm double trouble. Votes: 0

I've seen too much in life to give up. Votes: 0

I've never done anything else in my life other than preach and be an activist. Way before I was known. Votes: 0

My message to everyone: the next time you hear about migrant children near the border, just picture them as your own. Then think what you would want our government to do. Votes: 0

The dream was not to put one black family in the White House, the dream was to make everything equal in everybody's house. Votes: 0

In every era going back to Lincoln with Frederick Douglass, presidents talk to those that were leading at that time. Votes: 0

I won vice president of my student body in high school. That doesn't mean anything. Votes: 0

If Charlton Heston can have a constitutional right carry a rifle, why can't grandma have a constitutional right to health care? Votes: 0

Not graduating high school on time leads to fewer chances of attending college and obtaining good paying jobs, and creates instead higher chances of incarceration and unemployment. Votes: 0

James Brown became my father. He would talk to me the way a father talked to a son. He became the father I never had. Votes: 0

Dr. King used Gandhi's commitment to non-violence and to passive resistance. Votes: 0

If you play the theatrics too much, you get in the way of your own cause. Votes: 0

I was the first candidate to come out against this war, spoke at every anti-war march. Votes: 0

We are engaged in immediate conversations with the White House on deliberations over a successor whom we hope will continue in the general direction of Attorney General Holder. Votes: 0

I'm never going to be fat - never again. I'm going to make it easy on my pallbearers. Votes: 0

We need an amendment that gives us the right to vote protected by the federal government and the Constitution. Votes: 0

My ministry's always been one of social activism. I think a responsible minister must be at some levels involved in the social order. Votes: 0

While the rest of the country waves the flag of Americana, we understand we are not part of that. We don't owe America anything - America owes us. Votes: 0

I think first of all, the United States has got to adopt a policy of befriending and creating allies around the world... Votes: 0

I've never seen an effective boycott that didn't work. Votes: 0

I'm projected as an ambulance chaser, but I'm more the ambulance. People call me because they know I will come.... I have never fought a case where they didn't ask me to come. People have this picture like I'm sitting up in bed at night with a walkie-talkie. "You hear anything? Oh, let's run! It's Virginia today!"... Every victim calls us.... "Who put Sharpton in charge?" The victim! Votes: 0

During my 2004 presidential campaign, I was fond of saying that it was high time for the Christian right to meet the right Christians. Votes: 0

We have defeated Jim Crow, but now we have to deal with his son, James Crow Jr., esquire. Votes: 0

I understand deficit spending. I was born in deficit spending. Votes: 0

I do believe that the party has a bunch of elephants running around in donkey clothes. Votes: 0

I grew up in the 1950s and '60s, when it was almost a holiday when a black act would go on Ed Sullivan. Votes: 0

Dr. King's general principles are universal. But the things he confronted took place in another era. Votes: 0

Getting Democrats organized is like herding cats. Votes: 0

I've seen enough things to know that if you just keep on going, if you turn the corner, the sun will be shining. Votes: 0

If Jews want to get it on, tell them to pin their yarmulkes back and come over to my house. Votes: 0

It was better walk with dignity than ride in shame. A lot of people in Cincinnati are saying, "Rather than have the continual problems of police brutality and economic disparity, I'm willing to make some sacrifices." And I think that they ought to be respected for doing that. Votes: 0

Any use of the names of Eric Garner and Michael Brown, in connection with any violence or killing of police, is reprehensible and against the pursuit of justice in both cases. Votes: 0

The United States government has the obligation to educate all young people in this country. Votes: 0

If you can get the proper definition of trouble, then we can find out who the real troublemakers are. Votes: 0

I'm a patriot in the truest sense of the word. Votes: 0

Throughout my years championing for civil rights, analyzing politics and advocating on behalf of the voiceless, I am disturbed the most when harmless children suffer because of politics or detrimental policies. Votes: 0

In Staten Island, when you have video showing the alleged chokehold used on Eric Garner, why not go to trial and have the officer(s) explain the tape, and then this jury can determine guilt or innocence? The tape should guarantee that there should be a trial. Votes: 0

Demonstrations must be dignified and nonviolent, as the overwhelming protests in Ferguson and Staten Island have been. Do not confuse anarchists who don't want the system to work and thugs who want to exploit a situation with the majority who from day one have operated with impeccable nonviolence and clear goals. Votes: 0

Bill Clinton strikes me as the kind of guy who goes wherever the polls lead him, rather than leading the polls. Votes: 0

As I stood and gave the eulogy for young Michael Brown last week, I kept thinking about the fact that this child should have been in college instead of laying in a coffin. Votes: 0

We cannot reform institutional racism or systemic policies if we are not actively engaged. It's not enough to simply complain about injustice; the only way to prevent future injustice is to create the society we would like to see, one where we are all equal under the law. Votes: 0

If companies can refuse to provide coverage for women, what other objections to the Affordable Care Act will we see based on 'religious grounds'? For that matter, will 'religious freedom' be used as an excuse to discriminate against other minorities and disenfranchised groups across the board? Where will it end? Votes: 0

In New York, you are competing with Times Square lights and all of that, so you've got to be 300 pounds and crazy to get anyone's attention. Then, you can refine yourself. I always knew under those 300 pounds and tracksuits was a refined, slim, dignified man. Votes: 0

Evangelicals catapulted George W. Bush back to the White House. Votes: 0

My organization, National Action Network (NAN), was on the ground talking and meeting with people in Ferguson, just as we did in Staten Island following Eric Garner's death. Votes: 0

In order to establish peace, you must have fair justice for everyone. Votes: 0

I've learned how to measure what I say. Al Sharpton in 1986 was trying to be heard. I was a local guy and was like, 'Y'all are ignoring us.' Votes: 0

I could take all the cartoons in the tabloid newspapers, but I couldn't take my daughter punching me in the belly and asking why I was so fat. That was my inspiration to lose the weight. And probably the last time anyone hurt my feelings. Votes: 0

I’ve never seen a prosecutor hold a press conference to discredit the victim, Votes: 0

We may switch presidents, but we`re just going to switch legs and keep on marching. Votes: 0

White folks was in the caves while we [blacks] was building empires ... We built pyramids before Donald Trump ever knew what architecture was ... we taught philosophy and astrology and mathematics before Socrates and them Greek homos ever got around to it. Votes: 0

As a Baptist minister, I don't have the right to impose my views on anyone else. If committed gay and lesbian couples want to marry, that is their business; none of us should stand in their way Votes: 0

I am in hell already. I am in Israel. Votes: 0

Some issues you just - you certainly you have to defend yourself, but you certainly don`t have to denigrate others. Votes: 0

I believed there was enough evidence to go to trial. Grand jury said there wasn’t. Okay, fine. Do I have a right to disagree with the grand jury? Many Americans believe O.J. Simpson was guilty. A jury said he wasn’t. So I have as much right to question a jury as they do. Does it make somebody a racist? No! They just disagreed with the jury. So did I. Votes: 0

There are white n*ggers. I've seen a lot of white n*ggers in my time. Votes: 0

One of the things that`s offensive is saying in the fifth district there`s nothing going on. This is a very vast district. The congressman happens to represent me. And while there are always more things that we can do in every community, this is a very diverse district with all kinds of wonderful things. Votes: 0

What’s wrong with denouncing white interlopers? Votes: 0

So (if) some cracker come and tell you 'Well, my mother and father blood go back to the Mayflower,' you better hold your pocket. That ain't nothing to be proud of. That means their forefathers was crooks. Votes: 0

America has to make America become a better place for all Americans, and that`s all of us participating. Votes: 0

What do we want? Dead cops. When do we want it? Now. Votes: 0

It`s a difficult thing for a city to be sued by the department of justice and to be told that your police department is systematically failing to serve the people of the state or the city. Votes: 0

We need to make some real fundamental change from the Constitution down in this country. Votes: 0

But resist we much. We must, and we will much- about that- be committed. Votes: 0

Who defines terrorists? Today's terrorist is tomorrow's friend. Votes: 0

I can't see how an unarmed man rejecting a drug deal ended up dead. Votes: 0

I disagree with Muhammad. I'm against hate, anti-Semitism and homophobia.… This is not a village of hate. It's a village of hope.… Don't let midgets give us a bad name. There are still giants in Harlem giants who will stand up for our children. Votes: 0

Jeff Sessions, the person who`s likely to become our next attorney general, is striking a very different tone from our current attorney general, Loretta Lynch, who announced a consent decree with the city of Baltimore. Votes: 0

The Baltimore Police Department had engaged in a pattern of practice of conduct that violated the constitution and federal law, and this conduct had eroded trust and to deprive the people of Baltimore of the rights and the protections guaranteed to every American. Votes: 0

James Brown lives, as long as someone steps out of their body and dances uncontrollably. Votes: 0

Crime is going down everywhere but in the New York City Police Department. Votes: 0

The promise of America is one immigration policy for all who seek to enter our shores, whether they come from Mexico, Haiti or Canada, there must be one set of rules for everybody. We cannot welcome those to come and then try and act as though any culture will not be respected or treated inferior. We cannot look at the Latino community and preach 'one language.' No one gave them an English test before they sent them to Iraq to fight for America. Votes: 0

I think everybody understood what happened, why this consent decree came about after the Freddie Gray situation. There was tension on both sides. Votes: 0

If I use the media, even with tricks, to publicize a black youth being shot in the back in Teaneck, New Jersey... then I should be praised for it, and it's more of a comment on them than me that it would take tricks to make them cover the loss of life. Votes: 0

Somebody had to bring the truth to the doorstep of this president. Votes: 0

So we want to make sure that happens is that we build a relationship with the police department and the community that results in better policing and better cooperation with the community. Votes: 0

I`m deeply concerned about Jeff Sessions, who has clearly expressed opposition to the use of consent decrees and has advanced a lot of this states` rights rhetoric. Votes: 0

I wanted to say to Governor Dean, don't be hard on yourself about hooting and hollering. If I had spent the money you did and got 18 percent, I'd still be in Iowa hooting and hollering. Votes: 0

I always go by instinct and then wrestle with where by instinct brought me. Votes: 0

Don't talk to us like we ignint! Votes: 0

But we believed if we kept on working, if we kept on marching, if we kept on voting, if we kept on believing, we would make America beautiful for everybody. Votes: 0

It does not appear, nor is there any reason to believe that [ Jeff Sessions] will put policing reform front and center in the way that this justice department has, and that will mean that we cast aside eight years of hard work, blood, sweat and tears that have gone into bringing cities and mayors and communities to the table to address what truly is a national crisis. Votes: 0

People in the age of [President] Obama don't dress like they did in the age of [Lyndon] Johnson. That's for sure. Votes: 0

I haven't done the things I've done to be in a sitcom. Votes: 0

I cannot imagine where we would have been without BET. Many like me who operate in black America can only get our balanced story told nationally on BET talk shows. Votes: 0

John Lewis we all know was beaten terribly, almost to an inch of his life, opened doors that will never be closed, although there are forces that are attempting to close those doors. Votes: 0

They tried to say that being gay is a sin, and I said that adultery is a sin. Adultery is responsible for breaking up more marriages, but do we put that in the Constitution? It’s absurd. Votes: 0

I`m very cautious about what appears to be things put in place that will begin to roll back some of the progress that I believe we`ve made. Votes: 0

America can't work for only some people and become a dream for all people. It has to work for everyone. And even though everyone might not end up at the same place, if everyone starts with the same beginning, then that's the dream fulfilled. We all don't have the same abilities, but we should have the same opportunities. Votes: 0

I remember the president-elect [Donald Trump] saying that I`m going to do something to dramatically, positively change communities, particularly in urban areas, and I think we`ve got to hold his feet to the fire to all those issues as well as all the issues that you addressed, you and many others addressed yesterday as it relates to criminal justice, as it relates to voting oppression. Votes: 0

How do you make things fair? Votes: 0

I just released an op-ed in the "Washington Post" that talks about providing an I.D. so that everyone can have an I.D., primarily, the social security card, a picture would be put on that card, and a president can certainly by executive order make this happen so that people will not need a special I.D. They`ll have one to vote. Votes: 0

I feel that it is our moral obligation to stand and to be courageous with these families, and particularly Cindy, that have become the conscience of this nation. Votes: 0

It is true that Mr. Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, after which there was a commitment to give 40 acres and a mule. That's where the argument, to this day, of reparations starts. We never got the 40 acres. We went all the way to Herbert Hoover, and we never got the 40 acres. We didn't get the mule. So we decided we'd ride this donkey as far as it would take us. Votes: 0

As I ran for president, I hoped that one child would come out of the ghetto like I did, could look at me walk across the stage with governors and senators and know they didn't have to be a drug dealer, they didn't have to be a hoodlum, they didn't have to be a gangster. They could stand up from a broken home, on welfare, and they could run for president of the United States. Votes: 0

I don't think Dr. King helped racial harmony, I think he helped racial justice. What I profess to do is help the oppressed and if I cause a load of discomfort in the white community and the black community, that in my opinion means I'm being effective, because I'm not trying to make them comfortable. The job of an activist is to make people tense and cause social change. Votes: 0

Life is about not where you start, but where you're going. That's family values. Votes: 0

I`m very cautious and very concerned about what I have initially seen, but I also believe we`ve got to organize like we have never organized before.We talk about it, but realistically, we`ve got to organize at the grassroots level. Votes: 0

We blacks had problems in the '60s and we solved them by marching. We've still got problems - let's march. Votes: 0

This is not about what party you're part of. This is about right and wrong, ... the conscience of this nation. Votes: 0

We've got to look toward two years from now [January 2017] to at least provide some balance in congress. Votes: 0

First and foremost, that I will, obviously, be the president of all the people, as opposed to one segment. When you look at some of the appointments, there`s great concern because does it really represent all the people, and somehow figuring out how to bring the nation together. Votes: 0

It is time to bring down the volume and bring up the program. Votes: 0

Better to die of something than to die in old age of nothing. Votes: 0

We cannot move forward or will not move forward if we are divided. Votes: 0

I have the right to express myself. Once we get through expressing, do we really move forward in society. Votes: 0

The GOP`s freak out over Donald Trump. Just two months to Iowa, can anyone stop him? Votes: 0

A war of words escalated between the president-elect and a civil rights icon. Donald Trump fired back at democratic Congressman John Lewis after Lewis said he did not see Trump as a legitimate president. Votes: 0

President Obama telling Americans not to panic in the wake of the Paris terror attacks. Votes: 0

The Democratic Party hasn't whipped anybody into a frenzy. The assumption is that the people that are marching and protesting and standing up against this don't have enough sense to stand up for their own interests. Votes: 0

People working at the arenas are not just depending on one or two concerts. I think it gives a symbolic boost, as well as those shows do bring down some monetary investments in the city. Votes: 0

I think drugs affect poor people and people of color more than anyone. Votes: 0

If a cop sees a person running out of a store with a gun he's seeing a crime. He's not seeing a person standing. Votes: 0

I think that any time you look at the fact that boycotts have historically led to change, whatever temporary inconvenience there may be, it in the long run leads toward, in my opinion, a better change for everybody. Votes: 0

I think you don't support people based on one or two cases of situations. You deal with their balance over the long run. Votes: 0

On Saturday of MLK weekend, just days before the inauguration, thousands of people joined me in the nation`s capital to protect the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The icy rain did not deter us as we reminded Donald Trump and other leaders that we will not be silenced. Votes: 0

I think that you can't choose leadership. You have to deal with the leadership that the people respond to. Votes: 0

When you're dealing with boycotts, you don't need everyone. You just need enough to be effective. Votes: 0

We won`t back down! We won`t be trumped! Votes: 0

You can't get a solution if you won't talk to the people that have the problem. You can't ever have healing if the patient is left out of the operation room. Votes: 0

I think that whoever is the attorney general, you don't want them to be as a yes person for any particular constituency. Votes: 0

When the civil rights community raised a lot of concerns around the nomination of Mr. Sessions, Senator Sessions, one of the things was that he`s on record of saying things intrusive, like voting rights,that he doesn`t believe the federal government should interfere with local policing, almost like states` rights kind of rhetoric. Votes: 0

When we look back at the last years of justice department, some of the most important work that will define its legacy is the work that was done to address the problem of policing reform. Almost two dozen investigations across the country over the last eight years into - not just Baltimore, but Chicago and Baltimore and New Orleans. Votes: 0

There are now that 20 consent decrees in place like the one in Baltimore that are helping put broken police departments on a path to reform. And this is long work. Baltimore is just embarking down this road. Votes: 0

I need to hear something about how he`s going to bring people together in the spirit, hopefully, of Martin Luther King Jr., and if that`s not heard, then we`ve got to constantly challenge him. Votes: 0

John Lewis being attacked as "talk, talk, talk" by president-elect [Donald] Trump because he said he didn`t consider him a legitimate president. Votes: 0

My dad challenged every president from President [Dwight] Eisenhower and Vice President [Richard] Nixon to President [J.F] Kennedy, Vice President [Lindon] Johnson to President Johnson and Vice President [Hubert] Humphrey. It`s challenging the administrations to do the right thing. Votes: 0

The unfortunate part is there`s not enough balance in the legislative chambers, and particularly the senate that has to do that confirmation for there to be enough pushback. Votes: 0

Senator [Jeff] Sessions says people, cities sign these decrees because they don`t want to be sued by the justice department, as if he is, in some ways, questioning whether the things that are in these decrees are necessary and warranted. Votes: 0

We must become the United States of America that represents every community, that represents every individual. And we will ultimately become a stronger nation, but right now we are a divided nation. Votes: 0

We`re going to continue to move forward and fight. I just think that, unfortunately, the president-elect [Donald Trump] has chosen to address every issue. Votes: 0

I think that what we want to do as we continue to move forward is look at the various points that have been made.We`re looking forward to the appointment of a monitor so that we can continue to do some of the things that we`ve been doing. Votes: 0

I`m not as concerned about what Mr. [Jeff] Sessions expressed, except for the fact that he did say that, you know, these things would be enforced. Votes: 0

John Lewis is an icon in our society. Votes: 0

We just have to hope and pray that this man [Donald Trump] is changed in terms of how he views the world community. Votes: 0

This is not just an agreement for the police department, this is an agreement that gets the police department working with the community and the community understanding its role as it continues to work with the police department. Votes: 0

Let me just say that we are under the consent decree. There are people in our city [Baltimore] along with the police department and advocates who believe that this is absolutely the right thing to do. Votes: 0