BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- The National Action Network, a premier civil rights organization led by The Rev. Al Sharpton, is opening a chapter in Bakersfield this weekend.

Sharpton will visit Bakersfield Sunday, to launch the chapter under the leadership of Minister Wesley Crawford.

He will preach at Compassion Christian Center, on 1030 4th St., at 10:30 a.m. Sunday.

This will be the fourth NAN chapter in the state and one of more than 35 nationally.

NAN organizers said they work to promote a modern Civil Rights agenda, which they said includes a standard of decency for all people regardless of race or sex, social justice for all communities, and improvement of race relations.