Civil Rights Leader Sharpton Moves Group to New Harlem Home

The National Action Network will relocate to a historic firehouse theater, continuing the legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Rev. Al Sharpton is moving the headquarters of his civil rights organization, the National Action Network, to a new home in Harlem. The group purchased the Faison Firehouse Theater on Hancock Place, which will be renamed the House of Justice Rev. Jesse Jackson's Workshop. Sharpton sees the new space as an epicenter for arts, activism, and a way to push back against gentrification in the changing Harlem neighborhood.

Why it matters

Harlem has seen a significant demographic shift in recent decades, with the Black population declining as the area has become more gentrified. Sharpton hopes the new National Action Network headquarters will help maintain a strong Black presence and influence in the community.

The details

The National Action Network had rented an office on West 145th Street for over 20 years that was named the 'House of Justice' by the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, who mentored Sharpton. The organization is expected to spend $5-7 million to purchase and renovate the historic firehouse building, which was designed in 1909 and later converted into a community theater. Sharpton envisions the new space as a hub for arts, activism, and the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance.

  • The National Action Network purchased the Faison Firehouse Theater building in March 2026.
  • The organization plans to open the new 'House of Justice Rev. Jesse Jackson's Workshop' headquarters later this year.

The players

Rev. Al Sharpton

The 71-year-old civil rights activist who founded the National Action Network in 1991 and is moving the organization's headquarters to a new home in Harlem.

Rev. Jesse Jackson

The late civil rights leader who mentored Sharpton and had previously named the National Action Network's former office the 'House of Justice'.

Jesse Jackson Jr.

The son of Rev. Jesse Jackson, who said the move to ownership reflects his father's efforts to attain 'permanency' in the fight for justice.

Jennifer Jones Austin

The vice chair of the National Action Network board and a poverty relief advocate who negotiated the deal for the new Harlem headquarters.

George Faison

The renowned choreographer who owned the Faison Firehouse Theater building and sold it to the National Action Network.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“My father saw Reverend Sharpton as one of his best students. He called him disciple No. 1.”

— Jesse Jackson Jr., Son of Rev. Jesse Jackson

“Harlem was the place of political power and that's been decimated. I hope the House of Justice represents people that will print their roots and stay right there.”

— Rev. Al Sharpton, Civil Rights Activist

What’s next

The National Action Network plans to open the new 'House of Justice Rev. Jesse Jackson's Workshop' headquarters in Harlem later this year after completing renovations on the historic firehouse building.

The takeaway

Sharpton's move of the National Action Network to a new permanent home in Harlem represents an effort to maintain a strong Black presence and influence in a rapidly gentrifying neighborhood, continuing the civil rights legacy of his mentor Rev. Jesse Jackson.