The President To Speak At Sharpton's Convention

By Black Radio Network Staff

NEW YORK – The National Action Network has announced President Obama will address its 20th Annual Convention in New York on Wednesday.

Reverend Al Sharpton who heads the group has been a longtime supporter of Obama and has been invited to participate with many Obama administration initiatives.

Obama last appeared before the National Action Networks convention while still a Presidential candidate.

This is the second appearance of the President in New York in 2 weeks. The President spoke last Tuesday night at a big ticket Harlem fundraiser that caused some controversy.

Nellie Hester Bailey, head of the Harlem Tenants Council and of Harlem Fightback Against War at Home and Abroad, organized a demonstration and said black people were being let down by the President’s actions in office.

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Reverend Sharpton and National Executive Director, Tamika D. Mallory have also just announced that Valerie B. Jarrett, Senior Advisor and Assistant to the President for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement will deliver the keynote address during their milestone 20th Anniversary Celebration and Convention "20 Years of Struggle, 20 Years of Progress... 20 Years of Shaping History" - this week in NYC.

This year's luncheon will focus on five major health disparities that affect women: HIV/AIDS, Heart Disease, Cancer, Obesity, and Reproductive Health. NAN's Women's Power Lunch was created to provide a platform to celebrate and empower women who are trailblazers across the sectors of civil rights, government, politics, business, education, health, entertainment, and clergy.

"As we prepare to empower and inspire our attendees, Valerie Jarrett immediately came to mind" said Reverend Al Sharpton. "Ms. Jarrett embodies the strength needed to ignite a movement of this magnitude." "NAN's relationship with this administration, other government officials, and health organizations and the like, works in tandem with our unwavering commitment to uplift communities. Reverend Sharpton and I are honored to have Valerie Jarrett address this year's power luncheon," said Tamika Mallory.

The four day event, which will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., will consist of a series of plenary sessions, panels and special events.

There will also be a star-studded dinner honoring Muhammad Ali, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Samuel and Latanya R. Jackson and others. 

VIEW LIVESTREAM OF CONVENTION BEGINNING WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6TH