Sharpton must have a been a big deal, he ratted on Vincent Gigante who was the godfather of the genovse family, so that means he had personal dealings with him and you have to be a big fish for a mafia don to do face to face business with you
Rev Al was planning a soul food buffet for attendees——then 10 cousins of the Genovese family from South Philadelphia offered to serve (ahem) refreshments.