Rev. Sharpton speaker at Houma’s MLK tribute

The Rev. Al Sharpton is the featured guest speaker at the Terrebonne Parish National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s salute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Set for Saturday, Jan. 16, at the New Rising Sun Baptist Church – located at 230 St. Charles St. (across from Terrebonne High School) – the program begins at 8 p.m., according to Jerome Boykin, president of the Terrebonne NAACP chapter.

“It is such an honor to have this civil rights giant in our parish,” Boykin said. “I would advise everyone to get there early.”

Born Oct. 3, 1954, Sharpton is an American Baptist minister, civil rights activist and radio talk show host. In 2004, he sought the nod for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. presidential seat. U.S. Sen. John Kerry ultimately won the bid, but lost the race to former President George W. Bush. Sharpton continues to garner attention via his radio talk show, “Keepin’ It Real.”

Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch, a former foe, once said Sharpton deserves blacks’ respect because, “He is willing to go to jail for them and he is there when they need him.”

Sharpton’s appearance comprises half of a two-part salute to slain civil rights leader King. On Monday, Jan. 18, beginning at 8 a.m. in front of the Terrebonne Parish Courthouse on Main Street, Terrebonne NAACP members will launch a march to the Dumas Auditorium at 310 W. Tunnel Blvd. in Houma. A second program will be held beginning at noon. Dr. Lawrence Jackson, director of Southern University’s Marching Band, is the scheduled guest speaker.

For more information, contact the organization at (985) 872-1635.