Loudmouth

In history those that seem to make the most noise, literally and figuratively, are the ones that make the greatest changes. And Rev. Al Sharpton is no exception to this adage. Written and directed by Josh Alexander, the documentary Loudmouth features Sharpton’s rise to prominence during the tumultuous 80’s and 90’s, the creation of the National Action Network and how his influence sparked a new wave of civil rights…one that utilized the justice system to produce a fairer result for the black community and impacted the way that Americans address current issues of civil rights. 

Sharpton’s influence as a civil rights activist has shaped the way that many Americans view issues within the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) community, but this was not always the case. During Sharpton’s earlier days his demeanor was anything but polished or popular as his controversial views sparked a wave of outrage within affected communities. From stories such as Terence Crutcher, Michael Griffith, Tawana Brawley and Yusuf K. Hawkins (to name a few), Sharpton took on the role as advocate for the families of those affected by prejudice and malice. Consequently, Sharpton also dealt with the proverbial blows of white Americans who were still trying to grasp the reasoning behind the need to fight. Fast forward to now and the death of George Floyd, Sharpton continues to advocate and fight for justice to be served. Yet now his words are backed with millions of others across the nation and world demanding the same.  

Director Alexander has found a way to give Sharpton his dues in Loudmouth. In examining many of Sharpton’s high-profile cases during the height of his rabble-rousing in the 80’s and 90’s, we see that in hindsight…maybe we should have been making more noise against injustice back then than brushing it aside. Yet Sharpton remained vigilant, dedicated and ready for the fight that lay ahead….no matter the cost. And he did it by utilizing the many tools he had attained throughout his life. Whether it be the influence of the church, prominent figures such as Jesse Jackson and James Brown, or the justice system…. Sharpton used all these tools to his advantage. But more importantly, Sharpton was not trying to make noise for the sake of making noise.  

What is most misunderstood about Sharpton’s fight was that he did not just stir the pot for unnecessary reasons. Sharpton fought for members of his community that deserved retribution and justice, and he was willing to stake his life on it. He was also incredibly open to finding ways to refine and revise his strategy to gain the outcome he wished for. One of my favorite moments is Sharpton recalling a conversation that he had with Coretta Scott King, the widow of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Noting Sharpton’s increase in speaking to the masses and garnering support for his causes, King aptly reminded him, “You can either go for the crown or go for the crowd.” As Sharpton recalled those words on Loudmouth it was apparent that those words not only affected him at the time, but to this day.  

As Sharpton took to the podium after the convictions in the murder of George Floyd, it is apparent that his fight has now taken on new meaning. Whereas the black community appeared to fight alone in cases such as Michael Griffith and Tawana Brawley, now there were many young, white Americans taking to the cause to use their voice and demand justice. In Sharpton’s lifetime, the narrative changed. And as Sharpton aptly put it at the end of Loudmouth, “Don’t tell me things won’t change.”