Rev. Al Sharpton and Spike Lee talk voting over Juneteenth breakfast at Junior’s
The two met at Junior’s Restaurant in Downtown Brooklyn, not just for the food, but to share a message about power, voting and staying involved in local elections.
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Two Brooklyn legends sat down for a real conversation over breakfast on Juneteenth morning—Rev. Al Sharpton and filmmaker Spike Lee.
The two met at Junior’s Restaurant in Downtown Brooklyn, not just for the food, but to share a message about power, voting and staying involved in local elections.
With early voting already underway in New York City ahead of the June primary, Sharpton and Lee both said it’s more important than ever for Black New Yorkers to show up at the polls.
“People have been put in prison, people have died for us to have the chance to vote,” said Lee.
Sharpton echoed that message, saying that while Juneteenth honors the end of slavery, the fight for equality isn’t over.
“You can walk off the plantation now and not know it,” he said. “That’s why it’s important that people register and vote. Vote in the mayor’s election—whoever you’re voting for.”
Sharpton also warned against sitting out the process just because politics can feel frustrating.
“Your vote matters. They don’t care if you’re disgusted,” he added.
Both Sharpton and Lee say honoring Juneteenth also means taking action—and for them, that starts with a conversation and a ballot.
