Giving thanks, and giving back: Reverend Al Sharpton leads turkey distribution for needy in Harlem

Civil rights leader Reverend Al Sharpton and the National Action Network (NAN) distributed turkeys to the Harlem community for Thanksgiving on Tuesday night.

Those in need huddled together in the rain on Nov. 25 along West 145th Street and Malcolm X Boulevard. With their carts in hand, the number of people pining for a turkey stretched the entire block.

Inside the NAN House of Justice, Sharpton stood at a table with members of his organization, handing out turkeys to rain-soaked families. For Sharpton, the mission is important to help address the growing hunger crisis in the Big Apple.

“Thanksgiving is a time of being there for our neighbors, which is why NAN has continued to deliver turkeys to New Yorkers and throughout the country to help those in need. Especially in a season when many Americans were at risk of growing hungrier, it has never been so necessary to be there in times of need,” Sharpton said.

Some shook Sharpton’s hand while others embraced him. Meanwhile, in the rear of the building, members of NAN packed more turkeys for distribution.

Civil Rights Leader Reverend Al Sharpton and the National Action Network (NAN) distributed turkeys to the Harlem community for Thanksgiving Tuesday night.Photo by Dean Moses

Civil Rights Leader Reverend Al Sharpton and the National Action Network (NAN) distributed turkeys to the Harlem community for Thanksgiving Tuesday night.Photo by Dean Moses

Civil Rights Leader Reverend Al Sharpton and the National Action Network (NAN) distributed turkeys to the Harlem community for Thanksgiving Tuesday night.Photo by Dean Moses

Civil Rights Leader Reverend Al Sharpton and the National Action Network (NAN) distributed turkeys to the Harlem community for Thanksgiving Tuesday night.Photo by Dean Moses

Photo by Dean Moses