By Melissa Ortiz
Buffalo, NY – Several African-American leaders brought in a heavy-hitter Monday to launch the Western New York chapter of the National Action Network.
Its president, Reverend Al Sharpton, says his group promotes social, racial and economic justice. He says he's especially concerned about negative media messages that promote urban violence.
Sharpton says he would like to see "town hall" style forums set up in Buffalo to reduce such violence.
"We now have a Black mayor, a Black police chief, and a Black school board here. But now we have to make sure that the conduct of our Black citizens compliments that achievement," Sharpton said. "We cannot undermine them with the conduct of killing each other, selling drugs to each other, and really celebrating a culture of depravity and decadence. And that's what the National Action Network will be about."
Sharpton's network pushed for the removal of Don Imus from TV and radio earlier this year. Buffalo is the 36th city to launch a local chapter.