Should Al Sharpton also be investigated for extortion?

Kimberly Klacik November 30, 2014

313 2 minutes read

The New York Times recently shocked it’s faithful readers by outing Al Sharpton for the enormous amount of unpaid taxes both he and his nonprofit, National Action Network (NAN) owes to date. Both Josh Earnest and President Obama seemed dumbfounded, more than usual, by the news that their White House civil rights advising buddy owes $4 million and some change. I am guessing owing so much money is no oversight. The staff at NAN is more than capable of interpreting the organization’s 990. Rachel Noerdlinger, known as the “publicist to the stars,” is the Senior Vice President of Communications at NAN. And I am certain juggling NAN and being the Chief of Staff for the wife of New York City Mayor, Bill de Blasio, takes a few brain cells. Heck, why didn’t Sharpton’s daughter, Dominque, notice the IRS letters stacking up in the mailbox? She has a degree from Temple, and has increased the number of NAN chapters all over the country. Though, if this is the same daughter that used the National Action Network’s bank account to fund her schooling, she may have wanted to keep her distance from the paperwork. I would continue researching more of Dominique’s involvement, but now knowing her mentor was Bill Cosby, I am sure she is dealing with enough surprises this holiday season.

National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the nation with over 70 chapters throughout the United States. NAN works within the spirit and tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to promote a modern civil rights agenda that includes the fight for one standard of justice, decency, and equal opportunities for all people regardless of race, religion, nationality, or gender. Did their mission statement stun you? It sure shocked me; I only see Al Sharpton rally for black victims when involving a white assailant. (I guess he has not had a chance to rally for other nationalities as of yet.) What you may find vexing is how Al found the time to dabble in extortion…

Sharpton has engaged in controversial donation policies — specifically the practice of threatening protests and boycotts of corporations while simultaneously soliciting donations and sponsorships from them. According to the New York Post, several major corporations, including Anheuser-Busch and Colgate-Palmolive, have donated thousands of dollars to the National Action Network. The Post asserted that the donations were made to prevent boycotts or rallies by the National Action Network. Sneaky Sharpton could be, quintessentially, the biggest bully of all time! What other big name companies has Sharpton put in a pinch?

Chrysler, according to Sharpton, was racially biased in car loans. Chrysler now financially supports National Action Network.
American Honda, according to Sharpton, did not hire enough African American managers. American Honda now donates a “modest amount” to NAN every year.
Hawkins Food Group sued Burger King alleging being denied franchises based on skin color. He lost his case, but then decided to get Sharpton involved. Somehow, Sharpton was able to convince Burger King executives into writing Hawkins a check for $31 million. Hawkins has since donated over $1 million to NAN.
Sharpton accused Macy’s of racially profiling its costumers in 1998. Macy’s now funds NAN’s annual conference.

The list does not end here, but I am sure you see the trend. Al Sharpton seems to be really good at the old-fashioned shakedown approach. I am no scholar, but I recognize extortion when I see it. I truly hope the IRS investigates the National Action Network along with Al Sharpton through and through. Now that things in Ferguson, MO are cooling off, I hope he is able to sit down and do some much-needed bookkeeping.