It’s altogether fitting a city with one of the worst crime rates and deplorable school systems in America would give Al Sharpton a key to its city.
That’s exactly what Newark, New Jersey did on Monday.
Headed to Newark NJ City Hall where Mayor Baraka is presenting me with the Key to the city. I will address the need for a real urban agenda.
— Reverend Al Sharpton (@TheRevAl) June 15, 2015
“We believe that Rev. Al Sharpton deserves recognition. We want to give him his roses while he’s still alive,” Baraka said, according to CBS 2. “We don’t want to wait until he’s long gone before we say thank you for standing in the gap. When people keep their mouths shut, his is open.”
Sharpton appeared to be dozing while Baraka spoke, judging by the picture the “Rev” posted on Instagram. Those late nights partying at the White House will do that to you.
“I cannot express my gratitude for all of the awards,” Sharpton said.
Baraka, in turn, appeared to be zoning out as Sharpton spoke, judging by another picture Sharpton posted to social media.
I received the key to the City of Newark and four other NJ cities today: Orange, East Orange, Hillside & Irvington. Thank you! A photo posted by Rev. Al Sharpton (@real_sharpton) on
An equally unphotogenic moment occurred when Sharpton was presented with the key.
Newark is the 9th most dangerous city in America, according to Law Street Media. That’s a serious jump from #19 last year after the city experienced a 16% increase in murders.
In the 2012-13 school year, 54.4% of Newark 8th graders were proficient in reading and writing while only 29.9% were proficient in math, according to Ballotpedia.org.
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