Rev. Al Sharpton visits the Dunbar Village in West Palm Beach
Reporter: Eric Glasser
Photographer: Tom Special
When Reverend Al Sharpton toured Norma Jean Austin's apartment at Dunbar Village, she apologized for the leak in her roof and for not having turned on the a/c.
“Oh my God, I didn't have my air conditioner on,” laughed Austin, “You should have told me the man was coming. My God, I'm sorry!”
Sharpton's visit was a surprise, not only to Austin, but to Dunbar's property managers too. They had no idea the civil rights activist had been planning to come by the public housing project, which made national headlines last year when a woman was gang raped here.
“You must look beyond the surface of the savage attack to see the environment it is made in,” says Sharpton addressing the community.
“I was very happy he told me, personally, that he was not here to point fingers but to look for solid solutions,” says West Palm Beach’s public housing director Laurel Robinson, “And we certainly join him in that effort.”
Sharpton toured the complex and residents followed. Some smiled, and shook hands – almost dazed and surprised. They hoped the visit from a civil rights leader of his stature would bring attention to their community, and with it, real change.
“You know, we're tired of the lies. Let's get point blank about it, we're tired of the lies,” says resident Citoya Greenwood, who has been outspoken since the rape last June. “We want something black and white. No more just verbal commitment.”
Reverend Sharpton also vowed his visit to Dunbar Village was not the end of his involvement here, promising he'd return soon. “I have no problem coming and staying in Dunbar for a weekend to show the nation that we can save the Dunbar Villages,” he says. “We cannot surrender to thugs.”
And when he does return? Norma Jean Austin says this time she'll have food on the table and have that a/c cranking. “Lunch, dinner and air conditioning too this time,” she laughed.
No specific date has yet been set for when Reverend Sharpton plans to come back, but his organization has vowed to work with Dunbar Village managers in the meantime - to bring about the changes many residents say are still needed.
For more information about
Sharpton's organization check out his
National Action Network online. Also you can contact the leader of the local chapter, William Richardson, III at
772-834-5356 or by e-mail:
wfrthe3rd@msn.com.
Rev. Al Sharpton visits Fort Pierce
Reporter: Marci Gonzalez
Photographer: Eric Pasquarelli
Civil rights activist,
Reverend Al Sharpton, is touring through Florida and made a stop Sunday night in Fort Pierce. He spoke to small crowd about the importance of voter turn out for the primaries. He also talked about what he calls, "constant problems and police misconduct" in Fort Pierce.
He promised to help the family of a man shot and killed by a Fort Pierce police officer in November, and is dedicated to strengthening the Treasure Coast chapter of his civil action organization called the
National Action Network.
For more information about Sharpton's organization check out his
National Action Network online. Also you can contact the leader of the local chapter, William Richardson, III at
772-834-5356 or by e-mail:
wfrthe3rd@msn.com.
