Al Sharpton's choice as keynote speaker for Penn's Martin Luther King commemoration is inappropriate. But what is inappropriate and disturbing is the chosen keynote speaker. The Rev. Al Sharpton is not a disciple of King's no matter how often or how loudly he claims to believe in King's message. Sharpton has shed some of the racist rhetoric that characterized his earlier years -- particularly during his recent mayoral run in New York. But history has too often found Sharpton cheerleading on the sidelines as younger and rasher men carried out racist acts of violence. The Crown Heights riots and a murder-arson that killed seven in a Harlem clothing store both followed inflammatory speeches by Sharpton. And while he is quick to note that he was elsewhere while the incidents raced out of control, Sharpton's incendiary rhetoric hangs heavy over both. Less overtly racial, but equally troubling, is Sharpton's conviction for defaming a white man he falsely accused of assaulting a black woman. Sharpton repeated the charges, "with a reckless disregard for the truth," not once but a dozen times. Many believe Sharpton is a strong advocate for the black community. Perhaps he is, though his brand of advocacy rarely benefits the community it is meant to help. But what he is not, and never has been, is an appropriate choice to commemorate Dr. King. Racism killed King. It will kill his message as well if we do not choose those we appoint to represent him with greater care.
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