By HWM
Rev. Al Sharpton is relocating the headquarters of the National Action Network to a historic firehouse theater in Harlem in a move that blends civil rights activism with cultural preservation. The organization has purchased the Faison Firehouse Theater on Hancock Place, with plans to transform it into the “House of Justice Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Workshop,” honoring Sharpton’s longtime mentor and fellow civil rights leader.
The move signals more than just a change of address. For Sharpton, it represents a deliberate effort to maintain Harlem’s cultural and political identity at a time when the neighborhood is undergoing rapid demographic change, National Today reports. Once a historic center of Black culture, Harlem has seen a steady decline in its Black population as rising costs and development reshape the community. Sharpton hopes the new headquarters will serve as both a symbolic and functional anchor for Black leadership and influence in the area.
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The National Action Network has operated for more than two decades out of a rented office on West 145th Street, a space originally named the “House of Justice” by Rev. Jesse Jackson. The new location builds on that legacy while expanding the organization’s vision. Sharpton plans to invest between $5 million and $7 million to purchase and renovate the building, which dates back to 1909 and was later converted into a community theater.
By choosing a historic firehouse that evolved into a performance space, Sharpton is leaning into Harlem’s rich artistic tradition. He envisions the new headquarters as a hub where activism and the arts intersect—a modern reflection of the Harlem Renaissance spirit. The space is expected to host community events, performances, and programming that amplify both social justice and cultural expression.
The acquisition, completed in March 2026, comes at a pivotal moment as conversations around gentrification, displacement, and cultural erasure continue to intensify. Sharpton’s move can be seen as both a response and a statement: that institutions rooted in the community must evolve and claim space in order to remain relevant and impactful.
The new “House of Justice Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Workshop” is expected to open later this year, marking a new chapter for the National Action Network. As Harlem continues to change, Sharpton is positioning the organization not just as an advocate for civil rights, but as a guardian of the neighborhood’s legacy—ensuring that its history, voice, and influence remain firmly rooted in its future.
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