The media referred to him as a “controversial figure,” “race baiter,” “charlatan,” and more since the 1980s. When he began organizing protests and protesters around New York City, they had a field day mocking and criticizing his weight; wardrobe; and long, wavy hair. They questioned his motives and attempted to paint him as a man possessing neither style nor substance—but they failed. Forty years later, Rev Al Sharpton is, arguably, the country’s most influential civil rights leader, with access to the White House and the ears of the last three Democratic presidents.