Activist Al Sharpton starts speaker series at UF

August 22, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Rev. Al Sharpton, a renowned civil rights leader and activist from New York City, will be the first speaker of the new semester for the ACCENT Speakers Bureau.

Sharpton will speak at 8 p.m. Sept. 12 in the O’Connell Center at the University of Florida. Sharpton’s appearance is free and open to the public. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Sharpton will bring a message of humanitarianism, tolerance and activism. Since seeking the 2004 presidential nomination from the Democratic Party, Sharpton’s ideals and political beliefs have been strongly debated as his celebrity status increases. With an appearance on “Saturday Night Live” and as author of an autobiography, “Go and Tell Pharaoh,” and “Al on America,” a policy book, Sharpton has become a well-known, influential leader.

ACCENT Speakers Bureau, the largest student-run speakers bureau in the nation, has been bringing prominent speakers to the University of Florida since the 1960s. ACCENT strives to bring controversial and influential speakers to the university, with the intent of further educating the student body, outside of the classroom, on current topics and controversies. Past speakers include presidents, prime ministers, entertainment, media, business and sports legends.

For persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations, please contact 352-392-1663, ext. 302, or 352-392-2567 (TDD). E-mail accommodate@sg.ufl.edu or contact the Florida Relay System at 1-800-955-8771 at least 72 hours prior to the event. Real Time Transcription will be provided. For more information, call ACCENT at (352) 392-1665 ext. 306 or the information line at ext. 411. Visit our Web site at http://www.sg.ufl.edu/accent/ or e-mail ACCENT at accent@sg.ufl.edu.