Obama, other U.S. officials at Sharpton event
President Barack Obama, right, greets recording artist Stevie Wonder, left, and Rev. Al Sharpton, center, at the National Action Network's Keepers of Dream Awards Gala in New York. (April 6, 2011) Credit: AP
The Rev. Al Sharpton is marking the 20th anniversary of his New York City-based organization by teaming up with President Barack Obama and top White House officials to grapple with issues affecting black Americans.
The nation's first black president appeared Wednesday evening at the annual conference of the black pastor's National Action Network. Cabinet members spoke earlier at the Manhattan event.
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder says he'll work with Sharpton's group to alleviate teen violence in black neighborhoods, especially violence involving guns.
Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan says he's teaming up with Sharpton to help black homeowners facing foreclosure.
Secretary of Education Arne Duncan says he's been traveling with Sharpton around the country to black neighborhoods with the highest school dropout rates.
