Al Sharpton Joins Jim McGreevey at Jersey City Church

On Monday morning, mayoral candidate Jim McGreevey gathered roughly 50 residents on the top floor of St. Michael’s Methodist Church in Jersey City for a breakfast meeting hosted by his campaign. Staff served food as McGreevey spoke with attendees about his vision for a more unified city, noting that while some neighborhoods are thriving, others still need focused attention and investment. His message centered on bringing “the whole city up together.”

Midway through the event, civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton entered the room to a warm reception and delivered an energizing speech. Sharpton emphasized that although he rarely endorses candidates, he came to Jersey City to stress the importance of voting, particularly in a runoff election.

Sharpton reminded the crowd that there was a time, within living memory, when people like him were fighting simply for the right to vote. He told attendees that choosing not to participate out of convenience or “laziness” was not a valid excuse when generations before had faced violence and barriers for the same right. His remarks quickly energized the room, drawing applause before he exited immediately after the speech.

The meeting concluded shortly after, with McGreevey greeting attendees and posing for photos as they left.

Jersey City’s nonpartisan mayoral runoff election is scheduled for December 2nd. McGreevey will face Councilman James Solomon following an initial election where Solomon led with 29.2% of the vote and McGreevey finished with 25.1% of the vote.