Al Sharpton Acquires Harlem Firehouse for NAN HQ

Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton is making a significant move to secure a permanent home for his organization, the National Action Network (NAN). He has acquired the historic Faison Firehouse Theater in Harlem, with plans to transform the century-old building into the new headquarters for NAN, dubbed the “House of Justice Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Workshop.”

A Legacy of Justice and Activism

This acquisition marks a pivotal moment for NAN, which Sharpton founded in 1991. For years, the organization operated from a rented office on West 145th Street, a space affectionately called the “House of Justice” by his longtime friend and mentor, Rev. Jesse Jackson. The move into ownership signifies a commitment to lasting stability in the ongoing fight for justice.

Sharpton reflected on the significance of the move, telling The New York Times, “I ain’t gonna be no more famous. The question is, what do I leave?” The naming of the new headquarters honors Rev. Jesse Jackson, whom Sharpton considers one of his “best students” and “disciple No. 1.”

Revitalizing Harlem and Combating Gentrification

The Faison Firehouse Theater, originally designed as a firehouse in 1909 and later transformed into a community theater and residence by choreographer George Faison in 1999, was acquired from Faison himself in March 2025. NAN plans to invest between $5 million and $7 million in the purchase and renovations.

Sharpton envisions the “House of Justice” as a vibrant hub for arts and activism, deeply rooted in the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance. This initiative is also a direct response to the ongoing gentrification in Harlem, where the Black population has significantly decreased from approximately 77% in 2000 to about 50% in 2023, while Hispanic and white populations have increased.

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

A New Chapter for Activism

Experts like Kevin McGruder, author of “Race and Real Estate,” emphasize that while neighborhood change is natural, gentrification, especially when tied to race, represents more than just a market shift. Stephen Wilder of Think Wilder Architecture highlights the importance of developers respecting a neighborhood’s history, asking, “When you’re in a community, the question is how do you add without taking away.”

The redevelopment of the Faison Firehouse Theater into the National Action Network’s new headquarters signifies a powerful commitment to preserving Harlem’s cultural heritage and strengthening its community fabric. It aims to be a beacon of activism and a place where roots can be firmly planted for generations to come.