Michael Jackson has left his stage for the last time. This news is terrible. Millions of fans across generations will be shell shocked and wish they never have to face this fact in their lifetime.
Michael started his career at the tender age of 11 as a member of the Jackson 5 and later went solo on a career that gave us the “Thriller”, “Moonwalking”, besides other greats. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7MmEMrCRfc&fmt=18]
What amazes me is that during his entire life, everyone concentrated on his shortcomings. Now that he’s dead, all the mushy stories will be coming forth saying what a great person he was, but how many actually acknowledged that during his life. Was that too much to ask?
Before Oprah, before Obama, and all the others,it was Michael Jackson who was the largest and most powerful icon of the black community. Not many might agree because he was accused of child molestation and all the various eccentricities like dangling his son off the balcony.
How many times have we heard the stories of his kindness and charity through the Heal The World Foundation? How many concentrate on the fact that through the foundation Jackson airlifted 46 tons of supplies to Sarajevo? Did you know he instituted drug and alcohol abuse education and donated millions of dollars to less fortunate children, including the full payment of a Hungarian child’s liver transplant. Michael skipped the 1985 American Music Awards ceremony despite the fact he had nominations that night to record the chorus of “We Are The World” as a guide to the other artists. This was his commitment to this charity which enable millions of dollars to be donated for famine relief.
In 1984, MJ suffered second degree burns to his scalp after his hair was set on fire while filming a Pepsi Cola commercial. After PepsiCo settled the lawsuit out of court, Jackson gave his $1.5 million settlement to the “Michael Jackson Burn Center” to help people with severe burns.
This is what the man was and who he needs to be remembered as.
Rest In Peace, King of Pop!!! Your Kingdom will endure for years to come!!!
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