Two days ago, it was supposed to be Michael Jackson's 56th birthday. In honor of this day, I played the music he recorded as a young boy. The boy who played 6 shows a day----at the Apollo Theater, in Harlem (NYC). A sadness overcame me, as I reflected on the "what ifs", during that pivotal moment that child was absorbed into the entertainment industry. If anyone knows me, they'd know I was a true admirer of the human being. Not the 'pop icon' whom many were forced to accept, as he crossed-over into their homes. Not the 'pop icon', whom many Caucasians (and people around the world) "discovered".....after his 6th solo album. Not the person whom the media vilified----once he truly shined his light. Not the person whom ridiculous religious folks FURTHER JUDGED and VILIFIED---posthumously. I admired and respected the HUMAN BEING. The sensitive child who was robbed at 5 years old.
The same way people are imprisoned by the mythology of a person whom (they believe) existed 2,000 years ago.......the same way people cried and fell-out over Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, John F. Kennedy, Mandela......my heart always cries, for Michael. I know what it's like to be persecuted; on so many levels. I endured persecution and taunting; for most of my life. If a person didn't endure that ridicule, taunting, judgment and persecution from his/her family.....all four levels of schooling.....and society as a whole----you'll NEVER identify. It was the first time I cried all day, over someone I never met, personally. The broadcast of his memorial tore me apart. After his untimely passing (June 25, 2009), my goal has always been to honor him---via documentary----once I garnered enough success. That 5 year-old boy didn't have a choice, or a chance. But this American society (and other so-called "first world", or "modern" societies) loves to persecute and discard people----shortly after praising them. My film, "The Shame of New York", was influenced by the drama Michael had to endure.
Furthermore, I'm writing a deeper essay to convey the reasons why I won't support SONY, or the greedy lawyers whom I believe forged his will. How can someone say Michael was healthy enough to do 50 shows....when Michael was crying on the phone and telling his adopted son, "They're gonna kill me". How can people promoting that sad attempt at a concert film ("This Is It") do all of these fake press conferences on the "magic" of the film.....when MJ was VISIBLY frail and sick? In addition, what true lawyer "discovers" a will......WEEKS after their FORMER client dies (MJ fired them in 2002, for a reason)?? They didn't know they were the executors of his estate-----the day he passed!!? They didn't contact his family the day of (or, a few days after) and say: "I know this is a hard time. Once things are in order, we have to discuss his estate". Nope. Michael's 1997 will emerged DAYS later & bequeathed everything to his Mom. A lawyer has to remember a ton of shit. A lawyer has records, upon records of important documents and exchanges. However, you "discover" a document; which places you in charge of a nearly billion dollar empire----WEEKS AFTER Michael's 1997 will granted his Mom (whom he loved DEARLY) access to his estate? SHADY.
I'll rant further, in my deeper essay on this society's participation in the exploitation and destruction of Michael Jackson. In the meantime, I always look at the poster of he and Whitney Houston----posted over my bed. I use it as a reminder of what this society----particularly the media and entertainment industry---does to Black Americans (and others) .....once they reach a certain level. I use it as a lesson. I use it to keep me focused on the purpose of my true mission. I remember you, Michael.
Michael speaking at Al Sharpton's headquarters, Sept. 7, 2001 (Harlem, NYC)