Rev. Sharpton brings congregation to its feet

The Rev. Al Sharpton says he sometimes feels like his 2004 presidential campaign never ended.

These days, he continues to travel the country, often hitting four or five cities a week; he hosts a talk-radio show focused on the black community each weekday from wherever he lands; and he leads rousing church services like the one Sunday at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Seattle.

His message? The Bush administration has lost its way, especially in the Middle East. African-American youth who denigrate women and their culture through gangsta rap have forgotten their past. Complacent, middle-aged churchgoers need to strive more to improve society.

Sharpton arrived for the early-morning service dressed immaculately in a pinstriped suit, his hair swept back in his trademark pompadour, and clutching a large vanilla latte: "I was told that when you're in Seattle, you drink Starbucks."

The preacher never had a serious chance of winning the Democratic presidential nomination in 2004, but he sometimes upstaged his better-financed — and stuffier — rivals with his unrestrained approach and quick wit on the stage.

Asked if he's considering a repeat bid in 2008, Sharpton said he's leaving the door open until after the midterm elections. If a candidate emerges who speaks to his issues, he said, he might back that person. If not, he might take another run himself.

He was a commanding presence on stage Sunday, often leaning into the microphone and booming out a fast-paced message that had the audience of several hundred repeatedly on its feet. He broke into inspirational song toward the end, recapping parts of his colorful past — growing up in a Brooklyn housing project, becoming a child preacher, touring with soul singer James Brown, and surviving lawsuits and an assassination attempt.

He was in town to act as grand marshal for Soul Fest, a three-day cultural festival at Rainier Beach High School. He also hosted a church service in Tacoma on Saturday. Although he's raced through Seattle several times before, he said, this was his first substantial visit.

"I like it a lot," he said, mentioning he was impressed with black-community leaders and the people he'd met walking down Martin Luther King Jr. Way and along the waterfront. There are challenges here, too, he added, including a "budding gang problem."

Sharpton took jabs at Bush in the Sunday church service and made reference to the exploding Middle East violence. After the service, he said Israel has the right to protect itself but needs to be careful "not to overreact."

"The irony is that George Bush does not have the moral authority to appeal for peace after his flawed invasion in the same region," Sharpton said.

Several Mount Zion churchgoers said they thought Sharpton's sermon was the best they'd heard in a while.

"It's one thing seeing him on TV, but it's great to see him in person. I thought he was terrific," said Mamie Smith, a member of the Mount Zion congregation for more than 60 years. "I liked his comments on Adam Clayton Powell and Jesse Jackson: Keep the faith, baby, and keep hope alive."

Nick Perry: 206-515-5639 or nperry@seattletimes.com