NY Daily News reports that the National Action Network holds its annual convention this week — with an emphasis on action.
With President Trump approaching his 100th day in office, the Harlem-based civil rights group run by the Rev. Al Sharpton is stepping up its pressure on the White House, with a vocal call to arms in the fights for immigration rights and health care protection.
“This will be the first major national convening of black leaders under Donald Trump as we assess the state of America around civil rights and social justice,” Sharpton said Sunday.
Day One kicks off Wednesday at the Sheraton Times Square on Seventh Ave. with an opening address from former Attorney General Eric Holder, who will focus on gerrymandering and voting rights.
Opening day highlights include panel discussions and remarks from African-American leaders, including New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray, who will speak about mental health in the black community.
Day Two on Thursday includes panels featuring Daily News Editor-in-Chief Arthur Browne, who will discuss transparency in the media, and News columnist Shaun King, who will talk about the future of the nation’s progressive movement.
The four-day convention will also focus on gun crime, with appearances by Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark and Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance. Gov. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio have also announced plans to attend.
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont will also deliver a speech.
Panelists including Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin; Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner; Valerie Bell, the mother of Sean Bell, and Kadiatou Diallo, the mother of Amadou Diallo, will participate in a panel on police accountability. Martin, a teen, was killed by a neighborhood watch volunteer and the three men, Garner, Bell and Diallo, died in police-involved incidents.
Actor Samuel L. Jackson will honor Harry Belafonte with a “Keepers of the Dream” award.
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