A Night of Song, Spirit, and a Nod from Reverend Al

On Friday, April 11, I was lucky enough to be invited to a very special gospel concert by my dear friend, Chaplain Sandra. The event was hosted by the National Action Network (NAN), the civil rights organization founded by none other than the Reverend Al Sharpton—yes, that Reverend Al, the iconic freedom fighter who’s been making waves and demanding justice since 1991.

Joining me for the evening was Justin, a friend from Fountain House’s YACC program. While he was a bit too caught up in some personal drama to soak up the evening’s joyful spirit (we’ve all been there), I was determined to immerse myself in the experience.

The moment I sat down in my cozy seat, I felt a shift. The NAN choir launched into powerful, soul-stirring gospel that had my whole being vibrating with joy. Their harmonies swept through the room like a wave of love and resistance. Between songs, the minister stepped up to the mic to deliver short bursts of fiery, inspirational preaching—part pep talk, part sermon, all heart.

At one point, he asked us to turn to the person next to us and repeat uplifting phrases. I grinned as I shared affirmations with the lovely lady to my left and tried to coax Justin into participating on my right. He humored me with a half-smile, and that was good enough. There was something beautifully human about that moment—hundreds of strangers, bound together by music, spirit, and a few shared words.

The message of the night was clear: yes, these are tough times, and yes, we face challenges—but this isn’t our first storm, and it won’t be our last. With love, faith, and collective action, we’ll make it through. That message hit home.

And just when I thought the night couldn’t get any better, Reverend Al Sharpton himself appeared, looking sharp and commanding in a stately suit. He spoke with the kind of conviction that makes you sit up a little straighter. He invited the audience to donate in support of the movement, and I was more than happy to give what I could.

As I made my way up to the donation box, I passed Reverend Al. He caught my eye, gave me a slow, reassuring nod—and in that moment, I felt seen. Not just by him, but by the whole energy of the room. I left feeling uplifted, hopeful, and ready to do my small part in making the world a little better.

The ride back to my neighborhood in south Brooklyn from 145th Street in Harlem felt like a victory lap. The music still echoed in my ears, and my heart was full. A night with the NAN choir wasn’t just a concert—it was a celebration of resilience, love, and the power of community. And I’m grateful to have been a part of it.