As Americans watch the Saturday protests across the nation with shouts of “Justice For Trayvon!” and “No Justice, No Peace,” they’ll probably be wondering where all the money came from to support the organizational effort needed for the 100-city effort. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network is the driving force behind the marches, and their highest-profile fundraiser was keynoted by none other than President Barack Obama.
In April 2011, after raising millions of dollars on the East Coast for his re-election campaign, President Obama was the featured speaker at the 20th Anniversary “Keepers of the Dream” gala awards dinner as part of the National Action Network convention.
Fresh off his big DNC fundraising visit to Harlem this week, President Obama is set to return to New York City on Wednesday, April 6, as a featured speaker at the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network yearly bash.
The president will appear at National Action Network’s “Keepers of the Dream Gala” at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers.
Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett was already scheduled to attend the event, speaking at the NAN Women’s Power Luncheon…
…”He angered many with his team’s clumsy attempt to push then-Gov. David Paterson out of the 2010 gubernatorial race, and he rankled others by suggesting Rep. Charles Rangel resign after the congressman was censured for ethics violations last fall.”
By appearing at the NAN event, Obama again appears to be making a move to shore up his visibility (and popularity) among African-American voters and Democrats as he gears up for his re-election bid.
The convention and the dinner are a key part of the groups fundraising efforts, and the income derived goes to their operational budget to support marches like today’s.
Watch his speech here: