Rev. Al Sharpton Shocked Everyone at His Luncheon By Bringing Out These Celebrities

Rev. Al Sharpton hosted the National Action Network convention’s annual Women’s Empowerment Luncheon in New York on Thursday. The star-studded honorees included voting rights activist Stacey Abrams, “Morning Joe” co-host Mika Brzezinski and Planned Parenthood CEO Alexis McGill Johnson, and Whoopi Goldberg. But there was one surprise honoree who wasn’t listed on the invitation.

Loudmouth & MSNBC’s Rev. Al Sharpton Plays That’s So Random

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Sharpton, who founded the National Action Network in 1991, brought Grammy award-winning singer Alicia Keys to the stage.

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Keys is “a young lady who appeals to all of our women and men,” said Sharpton, according to Page Six.

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Keys, who is producing a new semi-autobiographical Broadway show “Hell’s Kitchen,” said she was grateful to be in the presence of other accomplished women.

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“I’m so grateful to be surrounded by powerful women, and I think that’s exactly one of the secrets of the sauce is making sure that powerful women are uplifted and we are at the table,” said Keys, according to MSNBC.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 11: Mara S. Campo, Mika Brzezinski, Stacey Abrams, Rachel Noerdlinger, Alicia Keys, Domonique Sharpton, Al Sharpton, and Dr. Valerie Daniels-Carter attend the National Action Network’s Women’s Empowerment Luncheon on April 11, 2024 in New York City.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 11: Mara S. Campo, Mika Brzezinski, Stacey Abrams, Rachel Noerdlinger, Alicia Keys, Domonique Sharpton, Al Sharpton, and Dr. Valerie Daniels-Carter attend the National Action Network’s Women’s Empowerment Luncheon on April 11, 2024 in New York City.
Photo: Johnny Nunez (Getty Images)

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Abrams also spoke at the event, noting the unique challenges ahead. “We are in a moment where representation and identity are under threat because we are not respected,” Abrams said, according to MSNBC. “And so every time you hear the term DEI thrown as an epithet, we need to reclaim it as a celebration of who we are. I am here to remind you who we are.”

Additionally, Goldberg was in the house to pick up the President’s Award at the 2024 NAN Keepers of the Dream Awards.

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In his speech, Sharpton explained why this moment is necessary to honor and lift up Black women leaders.

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“Black women have long been the backbone of our communities, driving change and progress despite facing immense challenges,” he said, according to MSNBC.

“The Women’s Empowerment Luncheon is not only a celebration of past achievements but also a call to action for future generations,” Sharpton added. “It is a reminder of the importance of empowering Black women, supporting their endeavors, and amplifying their voices in a society where they have to work twice as hard to be half as good.”