By Melissa Ortiz
Buffalo, NY – Some Buffalo leaders brought in a heavy hitter to launch the new chapter of the Western New York National Action Network. The Revered Al Sharpton appeared in downtown Buffalo Monday.
Sharpton is the president of this network. It promotes social, racial, and economic justice. Sharpton is currently working with civil rights leaders, elected officials, and clergy members to eliminate negative images in the media that promote urban violence.
Sharpton says he is convinced young people in communities like Buffalo will listen to him.
"At many of our rallies, young people are predominant I think much of the media acts like the thug rappers are the only ones the youth are going to listen to. That is not true. Not only will they listen, but they will listen in Buffalo," said Sharpton.
Sharpton also spoke about the achievements and the downfalls within the black community here in Buffalo.
"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. 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 Nation Action Network will be about," noted Sharpton.
Sharpton's network was previously involved in removal of Don Imus from TV and radio. Buffalo is the 36th city to launch a local chapter.