For better or worse, Al Sharpton has surely made a name for himself as an enfant terrible of the post-1960s Civil Rights Movement. But when he co-wrote an op-ed with New York City Chancellor Joel Klein advocating for ending restrictions on the expansion of the charter school movement, everyone has to take notice. His own conversion to the school reform movement offers one more reason why defenders of traditional public education such as the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers can no longer count on the Democratic Party for unquestioned support. It also shows to school reformers why they must reach out to grassroots activists and parents to further their goals.

Watch this excerpt of Sharpton’s 2008 speech before a conference held by Newt Gingrich’s American Solutions. Then give Sharpton’s words some thought and consider how you will build new alliances for solving the nation’s education crisis.