Description:"Controversial black political activist and preacher. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Sharpton began preaching at the age of 4 and was ordained a minister at 10. He was greatly inspired by the teachings of Jesse Jackson, and also went on the road with soul singer James Brown, whom he saw as a mentor and father figure. He has twice run for the US Senate gathering 14% then 26% of votes in two runs. In 1991 Sharpton visited Holte Community Centre,Lozells,Birmingham, at an 'Africans only' meeting he called for the black community to initiate a 'mass mobilisation' against racism." Pogus Caesar, February 2003