The Rev. Al Sharpton has made his mark fighting for the “voiceless.”
For that — and much more — BET is honoring him with its Humanitarian Award at the cable network’s annual showcase, the Daily News has learned.
Recent examples of his activism include the fights he helped wage with the families of a pair of slain teenagers, Trayvon Martin, of Florida, and Ramarley Graham of the Bronx.
The Harlem-based civil rights activist has also led the charge against the NYPD’s controversial street interrogation practices, which have been used disproportionately in the black and Latino communities, and he’s marched for voter rights.
“What he does better than anyone else is, he gives a voice to the voiceless,” said Stephen Hill, BET’s president of music programming and specials. “Obviously, Trayvon Martin is the most recent example.”
Hill said Sharpton wasn’t being honored for any specific effort, but for his wide variety of service, including his work in Haiti following the earthquake and fighting for Martin, who was shot to death in a gated Florida community.
“It’s really about being treated fair,” Hill said. “It’s truly about about humanity.”
The BET Awards have been known for feting entertainers, but Hill says it’s imperative to honor community leaders, like Sharpton.
“It’s important for us to honor not just entertainers, but also people who are excelling in their service . . . people who give back,” Hill said. “It’s to be celebrated.”
Sharpton, also the president of National Action Network, which has its headquarters on W. 145th St., was thrilled about the honor when reached by phone on Wednesday.
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articl courtesy of TheDailyNews.com
