I’m deeply saddened to announce the passing of my father, Al Sharpton, Sr. Our relationship was complicated, but he was still my father. Over the past 18 years, I was able to work through my pain and feelings of abandonment, and we built a relationship that meant a lot to me. Born and raised in Jim Crow Florida, he later came to NYC and became a successful entrepreneur. Though his weaknesses may have cost him, he instilled in my sister and me (and later our other siblings) a mentality of independence and self-pride. I've learned from my own mistakes and from his. May my Daddy rest in peace.