Sharpton was known as the Boy Preacher, or some such. Before we gasp, remember that there is a wing of Protestantism that takes the priesthood of all believers quite literally, opening their pulpits to women and the young. If preaching has more value than teaching or administering sacraments, then why not? Imagine that Sharpton had a precocious presence (he certainly has presence now). Imagine him growing up in a church-going household, so that the language would be bred in his bones. Such things are always unusual, but not, in some parts of the world, inconceivable.