In one of the most run-down neighborhoods in the city of Buffalo, Democratic presidential candidate Rev. Al Sharpton delivered a message of inspiration to a group of school children Monday afternoon as he continued his long-shot bid for the presidency..
Sharpton's visit came just days after both of the leading front-runners for the Democratic nomination, John Kerry and John Edwards, made appearances.
Keeping with the tone of a grassroots campaign, the appearance was held at the Friends to the Elderly Center near downtown Buffalo on East Utica Street. The center holds a daycare service during the day, which was in full swing during Sharpton's arrival.
The main upstairs hall of the community center was outfitted with tables and chairs for the children and workers to view the presidential hopeful's speech.
The small crowd was abuzz with excitement over the prospects of the event. Ambus Gatewood, 37, a volunteer at the center, expressed his own good feelings about the appearance.
"We need help here in Buffalo," Gatewood said. "I think this could really help to instill something good in the youth here."
When Sharpton arrived, he was surrounded by men from his campaign and spoke to them privately in whispers.
After making sure his cell phone would not disrupt the event, a sluggish Sharpton approached the podium and motioned for quiet.
In a low-toned, matter-of-fact sort of way, the candidate began his speech.
"I think anyone can be president," began Sharpton. "If you are determined and confident in yourself you can achieve great things."
After relating how he grew up in what he termed "the hardcore ghettos" of Brooklyn, Sharpton began to stress his main points of equality and fairness.
"We need to bring jobs back," said Sharpton. "We need to bring them back with youth programs and job training programs. These programs will just create more jobs."
Sharpton also expressed desire to buck the trend of law-breaking youths through these programs.
He threw in some criticism of President George W. Bush for good measure.
"I disagree with Mr. Bush on funding the war," he said. "I think that money could go to programs and education. We have a real problem with our youth getting in to trouble."
After 15 minutes addressing the crowd, Sharpton opened the floor to questions from the crowd of mostly elementary-aged children.
When asked by one young boy whether or not he could make a difference as president, Sharpton answered, "I absolutely think I can make a difference," and moved on immediately to the next question.
When asked what he would do differently than Bush, Sharpton shared a few ideas.
"I'd definitely regulate big business, and end Bush's tax cuts to the rich. I would have not gone to war, and I would have taken steps to a much fairer criminal justice system," said Sharpton.
The last question, which was asked by a young boy, inquired into whether Sharpton thinks his chances are smaller because he is African-American.
"I'd say it is a challenge of course but there is a slim chance," said Sharpton. "Any time there's a slim chance to make a difference, you have to try."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
