Sharpton preaches in N. Augusta

Staff photo by April Bailey

NORTH AUGUSTA -- Civil rights activist the Rev. Al Sharpton was in North Augusta Sunday morning where he delivered a spirited sermon at Carpentersville Baptist Church.

In his message, which he called, "God's Promise," Sharpton urged the congregation to trust in God and to always be thankful.

Sharpton is no stranger to the North Augusta church. It was at Carpentersville Baptist that Sharpton delivered the eulogy for James Brown when the late Godfather of Soul died almost two years ago.

Sharpton said he also visited the church during his bid for the presidency. He sought the democratic nomination as a candidate in the U.S. presidential election in 2004.

Following the services, the church was invited to hear more about the National Action Network, a nonprofit, civil rights organization founded by Sharpton in 1991.

The NAN works to address social and economic injustices in the United States; its motto is "no justice, no peace." Sharpton has served as president of the organization since it was founded.

Sharpton also hosts a daily radio show called, "Keeping it real with Al Sharpton."

He is in town to participate in the annual James Brown Turkey giveaway. The giveaway will be held at Dyess Park Community Center in Augusta today at 10 a.m.

Sharpton told the congregation that he is participating in the event to continue Brown's tradition of handing out turkeys to those in need. He talked about Brown often during his sermon, saying the soul legend was like a father to him.