The Circle of Life: Thurmond Family Owned Sharpton Ancestors
Quote:
Slavery Ties Sharpton to Thurmond
Al Sharpton's ancestors were slaves owned by Strom Thurmond's relatives, genealogists find
NEW YORK, Feb. 25, 2007
By ADAM GOLDMAN Associated Press Writer
(AP) The Rev. Al Sharpton is a descendant of a slave owned by relatives of the late Sen. Strom Thurmond -- a discovery the civil rights activist called "shocking" on Sunday.
Sharpton learned of his connection to Thurmond, once a prominent defender of segregation, last week through the Daily News, which asked genealogists to trace his roots.
"It was probably the most shocking thing in my life," Sharpton said at a news conference Sunday, the same day the tabloid revealed the story. More...
