Al Sharpton had relatives who were slaves of late Sen. Strom Thurmond.?

Question

Is this gonna just add more "racial gasoline" to his fires of discord in this country? Thanks a lot news media.

Answer 1

Sure... when people don't bother to read or check facts, anything is possible.
Strom Thurmond was born in 1902, died in 2003. Meaning, he never owned ANY slaves, related to Sharpton or otherwise. Slavery was abolished in the 1860's.
He did have a mixed race daughter from a secret relationship, however in the last years of his life, he privately provided for, and had contact with her.
Not impossible that Sharpton's relatives were connected to Thurmond's ancestors. But that is completely true for many Southern families. It does not reflect on the persons today.

follow up...
having read the story and details.. Rev Sharpton is "shocked" !!?? It is definitely a surprising find, but I don't understand shocking. The majority of black persons in this country DO have ancestry who were slaves. And for those who take time to do the research, it is very likely that they can locate descendents of the families who, AT THAT TIME, participated in what was then legal.There is not even any attempt to deny that Thurmond was, for most of his life, segregationist.
Fortunately for this country.. the majority of persons, of either race, see history for what it WAS. And don't advocate continuing the kind of attitudes that existed then. Instead of blowing a historical curiousity out of proportion, I suggest Rev Sharpton continue his efforts (and successes) in emphasizing progress, and pride in each individual's ability to make this country better, today.

Answer 2

Pure crap, that was 140 some years ago. Strom Thurmond is dead, and Sharpton is the only one around to make anything of it. And he will. He already is moaning. He cannot believe a racist like Thumond's family had anything to do with his. Nah, Al, just very nice white people were the only slave owners. And gosh, we are just so sorry about people we did not know, who were dead 75 years before I was born. If Sharpton is so slick, why did he not know this ealier?

Answer 3

No! I think this provides a unique opportunity to help heal this historical scar on our history. One of Thurmonds' relatives has offered to meet with Rev. Sharpton to discuss this. I think this is a great opportunity that can lead to healing the scars on both sides.

Answer 4

If you believe the bible, we all came from Adam and Eve. So if that's true, we're all related. Hey! I just realized something! Aren't I due some reparations from slavery? Even though my family is from Italy...Al Sharpton is a flaming buttwipe. He'd dig up his own grandfather if he thought he'd get press from it...how does an idiot like him continue on??