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Mother of Rev. Al Sharpton Dies

Thursday, March 22, 2012 - 11:08 AM

The 87-year-old mother of the Rev. Al Sharpton has died.

His spokeswoman says Ada Sharpton died early Thursday morning in Dothan, Ala., following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

Rachel Noerdlinger says Sharpton will fly to Alabama to make arrangements for his mother's funeral after attending a rally Thursday evening in Sanford, Fla., for Trayvon Martin.

Martin is a black teenager who was shot to death by a Hispanic neighborhood watch captain in Florida. His parents attended a march for their son in New York City on Wednesday.

Noerdlinger says Sharpton learned of his mother's death while boarding the flight to Florida on Thursday morning. He heads the National Action Network, a civil rights organization based in New York City.

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Comments [3]

jinglebelle from Washington

Reverend Al: I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your dear mother. I'm also sorry to have to tell you that I am white, and that I am devastated over what happened to Trayvon. It shouldn't matter what color I am, all that matters is that in this country some of us have to be afraid to walk down the street. I pray for the day that we can live together like civilized people and care for one another. What you are doing in Florida may help bring that about. Maybe now Sanford Florida will be a safer place? I watch you every day on MSNBC and thank you for all your work in catching lies constantly repeated by SOME PEOPLE.

Mar. 23 2012 02:13 AM
Richard Dortch from Mesquite, NV

Dear Rev. Sharpton, My wife and I were saddened to hear of your mothers' death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We are both in our late 60's and are liberals; we enjoy your show everyday on MSNBC. My wife and I are both white and were blown away to hear how black parents have to warn their children about the police. That is awful ... we had no idea. Fortunately we both never see race ... we see evryone just as people. Thank you for covering this sad story in Sanford, Fl. How very sad that in 2012 prejudice still exists in America. God Bless you!
Richard & Marian Dortch

Mar. 22 2012 10:42 PM
Lora McCloy

Our sincere condolences.

Mar. 22 2012 03:30 PM

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