Rev. Al Sharpton Celebrates 45th Birthday At New York Gala

Jet, Nov 1, 1999

Civil rights leader the Rev. Al Sharpton recently celebrated his 45th birthday during a gala salute and rally attended by more than 1,700 well-wishers in New York City.

Famed singer-songwriter Isaac Hayes hosted the birthday tribute, held at Rev. Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker's historic Canaan Baptist Church in Harlem.

Sharpton, president of the National Action Network Inc., celebrated his big day with such well-wishers as famed attorney Johnnie L. Cochran Jr.; former New York City Mayors David N. Dinkins and Edward I. Koch; Black Enterprise Publisher and Chairman Earl G. Graves and his son, Earl G. "Butch" Graves Jr., president and COO of Black Enterprise Magazine; Percy E. Sutton, former president of the borough of Manhattan; gospel legend Shirley Caesar; Grammy Award-winning artist James Mtume and others.

Rev. Sharpton's wife, Kathy, and their daughters Ashley and Dominique rejoiced during the presentation of Don King's surprise birthday gift--a check for $100,000 to the National Action Network.

The Girls Choir of Harlem opened the rally with a special rendition of Happy Birthday followed by Pastor Michel White & the Westchester Mass Choir.