Michael Joseph Jackson, the King of Pop, was such an inspirational, kind, loving, selfless individual that cared deeply for all of humanity. Born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana, Michael grew up during a time when racial barriers controlled a great portion of human interactions with one another. During the 60’s, many blacks were in segregated communities, schools, churches, restaurants, etc…, and they were totally ostracized by their white counterparts. Most blacks were afraid to step across racial barriers for fear of losing their life or getting arrested, and the others were too ignorant to care. Racism was intricately woven into communities all across America, and more than anything, the black communities felt the pinch.
The Civil Rights Movement (1955-1965), proved to be a channel for many blacks to prevail and to be able to stand for justice and challenge their white oppressors. Many leaders began to sprout from the black communities and fight for equal justice for all blacks. There were very few black owned business, artist, entertainers, writers, athletes, and black professionals in general. Once Civil Rights Leaders laid the foundation, many blacks were afforded some of the same opportunities as whites. The Civil Rights Movement opened many closed doors, but blacks still struggled to maintain lifestyles like whites. There were very few black entertainers and other professionals that were made public figures. The few blacks that were recognized publicly in the communities were immensely idolized. Music for blacks was a way to free the spirits and unionize the community. Music was therapy to the black community and has always been a critical part of the culture. There were very few black musicians to look up to, so when the Jackson 5 came along, the black community began to feel a great sense of hope and accomplishment and embraced the music.
Michael Jackson has never received enough recognition for his contributions and accomplishments, not only in black communities, but in all communities around the world. He helped to break down cultural barriers in communities all around the world with his music and unite people of all races. From the time he was a small child until he became a man, Michael expressed a desire to help anyone he could possibly help. Through his music, Michael was able to touch the hearts of many broken spirits, and he uniquely expressed his desire to preserve humanity. Michael has given millions and millions of his dollars to charitable organizations, schools, health centers, kids clubs, you name it. Because he gave so generously, he didn’t want to be recognized for all he did, he just wanted to see another human smile. Michael had a heart of gold, and the innate ability to move crowds.
No doubt Michael had flaws, we all do, but Michael lived to make others happy. Michael loved children and especially his own children. He tried his best to shelter his children from the evil that resides in the world, but constantly found his hands tied with the media. The media tried to do any and everything to destroy Michael’s image, even if that meant breaking up his family. Now that Michael has been laid to rest, his legacy needs to be preserved for being the best entertainer in the history of the world. To disrespect a dead man is insensitive and ignorant. All that live, must die, and only God who sits on the throne has the ability to judge people. Since we all fall short, no matter how we fall, we have no right to judge the next person. Instead, we need to be more loving, encouraging, understanding, giving and less self-centered. Like Michael, we all have a human duty to help our communities grow.
With this being said, we can make a difference in the world one person, one neighborhood, one city, one state, and one country at a time, if we simply do God’s work. May God bless Michael’s 3 children, his parents, his siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends and give them the strength to overcome any obstacle that may distort their paths, courage to do the unknown, and the wisdom to understand that they need His guidance to make it in this world. Thank you God for the time You allowed Michael to spend on Earth and the impact that he had on the world. For God you are always great and always good, and You should shine in all we do. So, it wasn’t Michael, but the Holy Spirit in him that touched so many lives. Be Blessed!
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