Sharpton coming back to Macon
The Rev. Al Sharpton is coming back to Macon.
Sharpton is scheduled to speak at the annual National Action Network Middle Georgia Conference at 6 p.m. Aug. 3. The conference theme this year is “Everything is at Stake.”
The event will be held in Macedonia Church, 600 Eisenhower Pkwy.
The National Action Network is a nonprofit civil rights organization working to “promote a modern civil rights agenda ... for one standard of justice, decency and equal opportunities for all people,” according to the site.
Sharpton is currently the president of the organization after founding it in 1991. He will be present throughout the weekend for the series of activities during the conference.
The Macon chapter of the National Action Network was founded in 2014 by President Sarah Hunt.
“Since we have a chapter here in Macon, we like to have at least a two-day conference here,” Hunt said. “We like to bring what was discussed in the national conference down to the local level.”
Sharpton will be discussing issues the community is facing today.
A free panel discussion at 10 a.m. Aug. 4 will include topics such as the school to prison pipeline, child protective services, health care and voters rights.
“If they repeal what’s in the voters rights acts, we’re going to be in trouble,” Hunt said. “Our freedom as a country is at stake.”
The panel will take place in Union Missionary Baptist Church,127 Kitchens St. It will be followed by a Faith Leaders Luncheon at noon, and the National Active Network Awards Dinner at 6 p.m.
The organization is asking for donations of $25 per person for the luncheon and the dinner.
On Aug. 5, the convention will draw to a close with the Youth Hack-a-thon at 2 p.m. in the Macon-Bibb County Government Center and Rosa Parks Square. It is a free event that will allow youth to participate in a rap session and talent demonstration.
This story was originally published July 20, 2017 at 12:33 PM with the headline "Sharpton coming back to Macon."