‘Dancing With the B-word Who Dissed Black Kids’: Al Sharpton Sparks Outrage for Partying with Governor Who Insulted Bronx Kids’ Tech Abilities

Civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton did not allow New York City’s embattled government leadership to deter him from celebrating at the 2024 National Action Network (NAN) Triumph Awards. The NAN ceremony honored “cultural icons” Gladys Knight, Robert De Niro, Jazz at Lincoln Center director Wynton Marsalis, and philanthropist Carolyn “Cookie” Mason for using their “platform to drive social change.” The Sept. 30 event also served as a 70th birthday celebration for Sharpton. It was attended by the state’s governor, Kathy Hochul, and other political figures. His original birth date is Oct. 3. Rev. Al Sharpton celebrates his 70th birthday on Oct. 3, 2024. (Photo: AP Photo/Kevin Hagen) The reverend and attendees have shared numerous moments from the night, including a clip that is well on its way to being a viral hit. In the video, Sharpton is seen onstage with the night’s honorees as Stevie Wonder’s version of “Happy Birthday” plays, and a montage of photos of Sharpton throughout the years is shown on a screen behind him. Social media users had a field day commenting on the NAN founder’s dance moves. “I know George Jefferson when I see ‘em’,” said one person. Sharpton was also compared to...