The Rev. Al Sharpton, 2004 Presidential candidate and co-founder of the New York-based National Action Network, has announced his involvement in a local, Georgia political campaign.  Stating he felt the Brunswick, Georgia, mayoral race had national implications for black and other oppressed people, Sharpton endorsed Elaine Brown for mayor of the city.

   Sharpton made public his support for Brown on his syndicated radio program "Sharptalk" on July 3 rd, when Brown was a guest.  He said Brown¹s candidacy held a certain irony in that she was a "daughter of the Movement," referencing her longtime activism, who was challenging an establishment represented by the current mayor, a Lt. Col. in the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

   The Brunswick race is a "test run," Sharpton said, for the work of his affiliate organization The Truth Hamer Voting Initiative, launched by National Action Network Executive Director Marjorie Harris, who will be traveling to Brunswick with Sharpton and others to support Brown¹s campaign.

   Sharpton will be in Brunswick for two days in August.  On the afternoon of August 6th, he¹ll participate in a community rally in Perry Park.  That evening, he will speak at a gala, campaign fundraising dinner at Jekyll Island Convention Center.  At 7:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, August 7th, Rev. Sharpton will attend a Prayer Breakfast at Eddie¹s Country Buffet hosted by Rev. Charles Bryant of Street Church of God, followed by a 9:00 a.m. Sunday School service with Rev. Wayne Rogers at Grace United Methodist Church.  Finally, at 11:00 a.m., Rev. Sharpton will deliver the sermon at Pastor Nathaniel Hicks New Vision for Life Church Ministries.