A War For Your Soul

This video was created to inspire young at-risk African-Americans not to fall prey to some of the problems they face in society.






Peace & Blessings

TORII HUNTER'S PERSONAL MIRACLE

By LEE HAWKINS
Two days before Christmas 2005, five years ago, Los Angeles Angels star outfielder Torii Hunter learned he had a half-brother. His father gathered him and his three brothers together to tell them they had a half brother. Theotis Hunter pulled out a high-school prom picture of Brandon Thurman, then 17, and told them that a DNA test had just confirmed his paternity. Adding to the shock: Their newly discovered sibling would be joining them for Christmas dinner at Torii's Dallas home.

"I felt like I was in a soap opera," Mr. Hunter recalls. "He looked just like my dad. Six-four. Had the same face. It was amazing." Recently, the blended family celebrated another major achievement: the graduation of Brandon Thurman from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. If there's ever been a near-perfect illustration of how natural-born talent can emerge even from the toughest of circumstances, it's the story of these two brothers—a superstar outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels and a young U.S. Army officer bound for a war zone.
The brothers, who have never talked publicly about their reunion, both grew up in Pine Bluff, Ark., a town about 45 miles outside of Little Rock with one of the highest crime rates of any metropolitan city in the U.S. Mr. Hunter admits to carrying a gun around Pine Bluff for safety as a youngster. He also remembers often playing cards by candlelight with his brothers because his father, then a crack addict who often squandered his paychecks on drug binges, left the family unable to pay its electric bill.

Mr. Hunter and Mr. Thurman both graduated from high school, but many of their peers did not. The state's high-school graduation rate for black males is 61%, but only 29% of black students who start high school in Pine Bluff are considered college-ready when they leave, according to Marcus Winters, senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research.Mr. Thurman's mother, Gloria Hampton, a nurse who recently retired after 20 years and also served in the National Guard, opted to not reveal who Mr. Thurman's father was, saying she didn't want to stir up too much small-town gossip in Pine Bluff. She and Theotis Hunter didn't see each other for years, so Mr. Hunter didn't know about Brandon.
Meanwhile, Brandon struggled with not knowing his biological father. "He was always bitter," Ms. Hampton says. "You know, children are bitter when they have a father that's not around them." In raising him, she kept him focused on academics, athletics and the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program, always with the goal of keeping him active and away from trouble. "The child was seeing people do drugs, going to jail, and down the street selling drugs. I would tell him not to get involved with that," she says.
Mr. Thurman set his sights on West Point during his freshman year in high school, inspired by a speech by a West Point grad who attended his same high school, and by Col. Stan Warrick—his JROTC adviser who also graduated from West Point. "I wanted to get away from Pine Bluff," he says. He credits his mother for pushing him. "Even when things are bad, she just keeps her head up, she keeps going. And I think that's how we got through difficult times when we were younger, too," he says.
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Before he graduated from high school, Mr. Thurman's mother decided to resolve lingering questions about the boy's father. "I took him to court" seeking a paternity test, Ms. Hampton says. "I didn't get anything out of it [monetarily], but I got a lot out of it, because Brandon was able to meet his father," Ms. Hampton says. Torii Hunter has a strong mother, too. Shirley Hunter, an elementary-school teacher, basically supported the family during tough times, all the while scrambling to attend each of her four sons' Little League games. Torii's success changed everything. Mr. Hunter started to use his earnings with the Minnesota Twins (he left the Twins as a free agent and signed with Los Angeles in 2008 and now earns $18 million a year) to catapult himself and his family into a new financial universe.

Some of that money went to helping his father get treatment. Now clean, Theotis has spent the past few years trying to correct his past mistakes, saying his relationship with his new-found son and his other children and grandchildren have helped keep him straight. "It's an ongoing process. You have to manage yourself every day. You have to kind of watch who you deal with and everything. My grandkids and my family, they're No. 1. They keep me out of trouble," he says.

Looking back, Torii Hunter is impressed that his brother chose to attend West Point even after the war in Iraq had begun. Mr. Thurman says he heard similar sentiments elsewhere. "Some of my friends told me, 'You shouldn't go into the Army. You could get killed,'?" he remembers. "But people get killed over here, too. I figured, 'When it's my time, it's my time. I'd rather go out serving my country."


Mr. Thurman is currently training at Ft. Sill in Lawton, Okla., and will be stationed at Ft. Lewis in Washington. He recently learned that he will likely be deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq next year as part of his five-year commitment to the military. Mr. Thurman was less aware of his brother's talent. He knew Mr. Hunter was a major leaguer, but didn't realize the caliber of player he was. Toward the end of his freshman year at West Point, however, he found out. Some buddies were looking at a photo of Mr. Hunter in Sports Illustrated in their dorm.

"I think it was when he knocked some guy out while he was sliding into home plate," he recalls. "They said, 'Torii Hunter,' and I said, 'Hey, that's my brother.' And they were, like, 'No way, that's not your brother! He's like one of the greatest center fielders ever!' And I was, like, 'Really?'?" As for Mr. Thurman, the discovery of Theotis and Torii has helped answer questions that lingering in his mind. Mr. Thurman always stood out in cross-country, track and basketball, but he never knew where his athletic ability came from. He was plagued by injuries for most of his career as a walk-on sprinter at West Point, but the Hunter genes surfaced during one of his final races, and he set a school record in the 500 meters.
Theotis, himself a star high-school football player in Arkansas in the 1960s, wasn't surprised.

Known as "Iron Man," Theotis played both offense and defense, rarely coming off the field. But his dream ended with high school. "I had 17 football scholarship offers, but Vietnam was going on, and I got drafted," he says. He marvels at how two kids growing up on the streets of Pine Bluff could be so extraordinary. "The odds are probably a million to one," he says. Right now, the family is focused on strengthening its ties. Shirley and Theotis Hunter divorced, but family members say they remain friends. Theotis flew to New York for Mr. Thurman's West Point graduation ceremony, and Mr. Thurman visited California this summer to see his brother Torii and attend some Angels games. After the military, the future is less clear.
"I will need to stay in the Army until 2014, but I don't know if I'll stay or leave after that. If I decide to get out, I'll do law," he said. "I've thought about sports casting. I think that would be a nice job, too, and Torii has a lot of contacts in that area." Meeting Mr. Thurman and seeing all of his sons excel in life has helped soften Theotis's past personal disappointments. "It was a load off of my chest," he said of finding out about Brandon. "I didn't want to go through life not knowing he was my son. That was something that had to be resolved, so I took the test, and it came out 99%. So it's all good."

President Barack Obama

Senator Ted Kennedy‏

From:	President Barack Obama (info@barackobama.com)
Sent:	Wed 8/26/09 10:30 PM
To:	Ronald White

Ronald -- Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy. For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts. His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me. In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy. I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom. His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives. For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family. Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still. Sincerely, President Barack Obama

Dear BET, Why Do You Hate Us?

Alvah J. Lambert

Date: Monday, August 24, 2009, 9:32 PM

Ms. Janitra Patrcik: Dear BET, Why Do You Hate Us?

Dear Debra Lee,

I’m Janita Patrick, a 15-year-old African-American female from Cincinnati. Recently, I watched the 2009 BET Awards and felt the strongest urge to reach out to the program. My family is of the typical middle-class variety; both parents and four brothers. See, I’m a junior in high school (got skipped), so naturally EVERYBODY in my age group watches BET. I’m used to seeing the sagging pants, tattoos, lack of emphasis on reading and respecting women that makes up your videos. People in my class live this out everyday, while teachers tell us that we’re acting just like the people in your shows.

In your shows. That struck me as odd, because I would think that with your show being the primary outlet for black entertainers and musicians, and considering the context of blacks in this country, there’s a social responsibility factor to consider. I would never blame BET alone for the way a great deal of my classmates act and talk and dress. Everybody makes their own choices. However, if anybody is aware the power of television on impressionable minds, it’s the people running the television operations. If you are not aware, then perhaps you shouldn’t be running the operations.

Guess who watches your network the most? Not those who are intelligent enough to discern foolishness from substance, but those who are barely teenagers, impressionable and believing. It’s awfully cruel to plant seeds of ignorance in fertile minds. You know it’s really bad when the co-founder of BET, Sheila Johnson, said that she “really doesn’t watch it” anymore.

I am constantly fighting against the images and messages put forth on your program. What made you think that it’s okay to bring my classmates on stage to dance behind Lil Wayne and Drake to a song talking about boffing “every girl in the world”? Why does reality train wrecks have to be thrown in our faces? Are you aware of the achievement gap going in inner-city African-American communities? A report from America’s Promise Alliance, a non-profit group started by Colin Powell, recently stated that 47 percent of high school students in the nation’s top 50 cities don’t graduate. (Fifty-four percent of males of color in Ingham County graduated from high school, compared to 74 percent of white males). This isn’t because of BET per se, but I don’t see any episodes on your show doing anything to counteract this disturbing trend. In fact, your show is a part of this cycle of media depicting us at our worst.

My older brother told me something about profit being the number one goal for every business. I’m not sure I understand what that means, but I do know that your shows have to be entertaining enough to generate viewers, which is how you make your money. But surely our culture is rich enough to entertain without anything extra to “boost” ratings; why the over-the-top foolery? I listen to classmates talk about Baldwin Hills like it’s the Manhattan Project. It doesn’t take much effort to produce a throng of degenerative reality shows, nor does it take much to eliminate socially conscious shows off the air. MTV isn’t much better, but since when does two wrongs ever make a right? It’s one thing for white television shows to depict us in a particular way, but for black television shows to do it is baffling.

Why do you hate us?

All of the values that my parents seek to instill in me and my brothers seems to be contradicted by a more powerful force from the media, and your show is at the forefront. Your network is the only network that features rap videos and shows exclusively to children of my color. I know that you have no control over the music that the artists put out, but you do have influence as to how you air these videos. I’m sure if a stand was taken to use the talent in your organization to actually crank out thought-provoking entertaining shows and videos, then artists will follow suit. Being that they need you as much as you need them.

There was one awkward segment in the BET Awards when Jamie Foxx singled out three black doctors-turned-authors, but the introduction was so powerless that many of the viewers had no idea who they were. Had they been introduced as Sampson Davis, Rameck Hunt and George Jenkins, three brothers who overcame major obstacles to become a success without the use of lyrics that berate women, the sell of substance that destroy communities or through raps about loose gunplay, then maybe my classmates would have come to school talking about more than Beyonce, T-Pain’s BIG ASS CHAIN and Soulja Boy Tell Em’s hopping out the bed.

But they weren’t introduced like that. It seemed like a throwaway obligatory tribute to appease some irritated fans. It missed the mark. Big time. Ask Michelle Obama if she watches BET or encourages Sasha and Malia to do so. Ask President Obama. It’s a reason he is the leader of the free world, and it isn’t because of Buffoonery Exists Today.

You’d be surprised how smart young black children can be with the absence of Blacks Embarrassing Themselves. If your goal is to deter engaged, forward-thinking articulate black minds, then consider your goal fulfilled. It’s hard-pressed to think that your shows are working to promote cultural betterment. However, it’s quite easy to conclude that the destruction of black children through the glorification of immoral behavior and rushed production is by design. Poison is being swallowed by every viewer who adores your network, and the worse thing is, these viewers - my classmates - are not even aware what they’re swallowing.

There is nothing edifying for black women on your show. I don’t judge people who do throng to your programs though; I mean if a jet crashes right in front of me, I’d atch it too. That’s why I don’t flip by your channel…I don’t even want to be sucked in.

I have aspirations of acquiring a law degree and possibly entering the public sphere, so I can counteract conditions in my community perpetuated by the images on your channel. So I should thank you, because in a weird sense, your shoddy programming is the wind behind my back. And it is my hope that I can accomplish my dreams despite BET’s pictorial messages, because Lord knows it won’t be because of them.

Sincerely,

Janita Patrick

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This old lady was in the parking lot of Walmart in Whitehall, Ohio

The elderly woman with a knife was taken down by police with excessive force .

$300+ Million to Charities!

Michael Jackson's Charity and Good Works

Michael Jackson Has Given More Than

$300+ Million to Charities!

Please Remember Mr. Jackson for His Good Works.

Read more about the Good Works of Michael Jackson click here

!!!CH!N@ DOLL!!! - Manhattan, NY

Michael was a huge part of my life...Listening to Michael's songs as a child inspired me to sing throughout my elementary, junior high and high school years....His songs touched my soul in a way that cant be explained...I used to sit as a child for hours and listen to his songs and cry and as a child you really dont know the true meaning of the words of songs but his music made me mature at a very young age...He will forever live in my heart and soul....

Christina F - Chicago, IL

He has a wonderful ideal and has a great inspiration and he was a great father to his three children. May God blessed Michael Jackson’s life and the whole world will never forget Michael Jackson. We will all missed him.

caribblk - St Johns, Antigua and Barbuda

I watch him from his childhood I too like the rest of the world mourn his lost. But with all the trial and humilation God see it fit for him to come home. I trust and hope his kids will find comfort in his family it gonner be hard for them they have lost the only parent they no. I pray that god will give the family strength in this time of mourning but we all love him but God loves him better he has work for him to do he take him from all the trials and tribulation, Micheal I do miss u with all my heart I pray u find peace and rest, and to the family keep courage be strong god is still on his thron he will c u all through this tough times and most of all take care of those kids , love u all god bless.

Pamela L - Buchanan, MI

I already called Janet Jackson and told her my feelings on her saynow phone number. I was born in 1952 so I have watched and seen the Jackson's career since the beginning. I love their music from when they begain their career until now. They all are wonderful entertainers and have made a lot of people happy through out the years in their wonderful music and videos. Michael will be missed, but he still lives in our hearts and we have his music and videos he left us to enjoy for many years to come. LOVE a true Fan of their music. Pamela L

!!!$$$(#1) BEAUTIFUL PHAT THANG$$$! - Hawthorne, CA

My thoughts of Michael Jackson....the greatest Icon that ever lived world wide famous singer of all times, his music and style has created a trend in which his soul will always live on as well as being one of the most giving, compassionate and loving people on this earth, I only wish he could have had the priveledge of growing up as a regular child so that people wouldn't have mistaken his missed childhood wants as something else. Michael Loved the children and always wanted to do things with the children and for the children because he missed being a child so he expressed his childhood as an adult through other children and his childish ways sometimes, but all of the children I know who ever met him loved him and know he would not hurt a fly but was the greatest person on earth to them. This is what I feel about Michael Jackson.

The American/ International Life of the King of Pop!

Visual BIOGRAPHY of Michael Jackson . I was around 19 or 20 when the J5 hit it BIG! It's like 40 + years of my life enjoying this famous group!
Just hit the sound button(at the top of slide) if you need to listen to other videos on this page.
Catherine S. AKA Kitty - Huntsville, AL

Michael Jackson - Dirty Diana

Helen S - Little Rock, AR

Michael was hated & misunderstood by many; mostly because of jealousy and hatred by racists. yes, his mind was messed with a nd it affected him in a big way. I'm sure many of us would be in the same shape if we were lied on because the less fortunate,less talented or non-talented couldn't do as he did; lied on because they hated Black skin; they didn't have a fraction of the money he had so they did what they did to take away his fortune. Now some of his accusers are admitting the lied, he never touched them in a sexual way. I never believed he did. They said he wanted to be white, my daughter has vitiligo just as Michael had. Her skin is practically white in every viewable area of her body--her legs, arms, more than half of her face--her hands look as though she's wearing gloves, but--know what? She's still pretty! She wears make-up on her face but the rest is left white. I don't love her less because of it, but she is talked about, scorned, etc., just as Michael was; not because she has money but because her skin is different. I pray very hard for her. She's only minutes from being a recluse at times. I understand what Michael was going through.

~~I BELIVE IN MIRCALES DO YOU~~ - Egypt

micheal was a american idol and he well be missed so much i remmebr him when i was teenage i lesten his songs and he make porblems not as bad there were. micheal u loved by so many ppl and never forget u,nay u rest in peace brother.

Jarvis K - Fayetteville, NC

Michael Jackson was The Messenger,he taught us to love one another it didn't matter if you were black or white,rich or poor.Every once in a great while a person of his significance come's alone.GOD had blessed his life for and example,of giving loving and being loved back from so many people all over the world.I personally Love MJ, because he made his own way.If we get anything out of this life,we have to put up with all the naysayer and the back stabber's.People that hate you love them anyway.Jesus was the only perfect one, three hung on the cross,it took seven day's to make the world,and then the 12 men Jesus chose one betrayed him,so you see a Prophet; is not honored in his on Land.I really belevie people didn't understand Michael Jackson but I did.He was tired and the LORD new that and called mike home to be with him forever,so long my Teacher and friend.Jarvis Killens

Lynda H - S Hampton, NY

Hi Ron,

You asked for thoughts on Michael Jackson,boy is that complex.I started following Micheal as a H.S senior when he and his brothers came out with ABC.I have watched him grow up(or not) in the media.I see /saw him as a man/boy,a multi-talented artist,a humanitarian and philanthropist and a very troubled human being.Michael always seemed to be searching for himself and I don't think he ever truely found out who that was .He in some ways tried to do manly things like getting married and having children ,but to me i was more about proving something the to the public more them himself.I think he kind of stopped growing as a child when he started getting hounded by the media and his fans and could no longer do things the way most kids do like making friends ,having girlfriends ,socializing.You also wonder about the whole black/white thing as you watched him gradually become white.Life must have been painful for him,yet and still musically and humanitarianly he transended all color boundaries.Imagine what he could have done if he had ever found true happiness and contentment within himself.HE WILL BE MISSED,NO MATTER WHAT.

So there you go,my thoughts,agree or not.

      MICHAEL JACKSON - BAD

Michael Jackson - BAD (DVD)
Uploaded by wonderful-life1989 - Watch more music videos, in HD!

!! PRAYER WARRIOR    -    

AN ICON THAT WILL BE GREATLY MISSED; BY YOUNG AND OLD. 

UNIQUE LIKE AN  UNCUT DIAMOND, CATERGORY BY HIMSELF.

YES; HE WAS LOVED BY MANY. 

NOT A SPEECH WRITER; THIS SUMS IT UP FOR ME

Rose    -    Minneapolis, MN 

i always loved micheal jackson's music and i liked him also  my granddaugther was very upset when we heard the news about his death

****D F****...{JDB PETHOUSE}   -   Arlington, VA

GOD BLESS YOU FOR THE MUSIC AND THING THAT YOU CONTRIBUTED IN SOCIETY FOR ALL. MAY GOD BE WITH YOUR FAMILY AS THEY GO THROUGH, DEAL WITH AND MOURN YOUR DEATH AND THE LOSS TO ALL.

GOD'S BLESSING FOR YOUR CHILDREN AND MAY THEY ONE DAY UNDERSTAND IT ALL. REST IN PEACE MICHEAL FOR YOUR AT PEACE AND NO ONE CAN HARM YOU THROUGH WORDS, AND ALL THE OTHER THINGS THAT YOU ENDURED. YOUR IN GOD'S HANDS NOW MICHEAL. ENJOY THE PEACE, QUIETNESS THAT IS DUE YOU AND THE MUSIC THAT YOU WILL HAVE TO LAST AN ETERNITY WITH YOU THERE. 

FOR YOU SAFE IN GOD'S HANDS NOW, SO TO THE FAMILY KNOW THAT GOD HAS HIM NOW UNTIL YOU ALL ONE DAY TOO JOIN HIM.

MY SINCERE AND DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU ALL.

! ! ! ! ! !~La'Netta F~    -    New Ams..., Guyana

Ok well thats easy he is legend and there will never be another, the first time i saw him perform it was magic and unreal. i have listen to all his songs and watch all his videos triller is my favourite.....U know ever one talk about Elvis he is so great and all but i think he was just a drug addict, Michael was special he was nice and most of all he was talented, and love by millions he will be missed and he will be remember for a lifetime.......and i cried like a baby when he died still crying.................the sad thing is he left those lovely children hope god protect them.............well thank u for thinking of my thought have a great weekend..... 

! ! *DIVAGIRL*$GET IT SHORTY     -  Norfolk, VA

Well i'm sorry that I dont have a whole lot to say about him, because of course I didnt know him personally... I did listen to several songs of his coming up but i've never been a fan... All that I can say is that he still lives on as a legend through his music, family, friends, and fans... he will be deeply missed by all

88 {LADY P HUSTLA } ( MW& PETS )   -   Brooklyn, NY

Whats done connot be undone, Micheal will be missed and never forgotton his music will continue to thrill us here on earth world wide. REST IN PEACE MJ.There will be more sweet sounds coming down on the night shift.

          BILLIE JEAN

Billie Jean
Uploaded by Michael-JACKSON-5 - See the latest featured music videos.

Lottie P   -   Kingsland, AR

I was raised on Michael Jackson music , avery talented young man, who never really got to be a child.

Jeanne B (Squid 4 Duck) # Pending   -   Red Bank, NJ

I grew up with Michael Jackson's music as did my children and grandchildren.  They loved him and were inspired to copy his dance moves every time they heard his songs.  My daughter used to say she was going to marry him when she was a teenager is how much she loved him and his music.  Michael Jackson was a musical genius that was integral to the music community.  His work enabled the Black musicians of today to be seen on MTV and other media as well.  He was instrumental in providing the groundwork for today's musicians in dance and music.  His creative and innovative videos spurred the videos of today.  His passing will be greatly missed by his family,, friends, musical community and fans.

Foxfire    -   Salem, AL

Michael was a person who had a lot to give, not knowing who he was he was trapped in a world of his own,  even though me made us happy with his songs and dance, he wasn't happy... He will be missed.....

Sugar and Spice    -    Atlanta, GA

I am very touched by the passing of Michael JAckson.  I feel that he will  have the peace that he so needed in life.  I pray for his family and loved ones of which I feel that we are all a part.  I think it quite ironic that he is now receiving all of the accolades that he should have gotten in life.  The Bible states that a prophet is never appreciated in his own land.  Michael was forced to seek love and fan support in foreign countries because of the injustices done to him here.  I just say, Finally...Rest in Peace.

Sugar and Spice(Brenda V)

THE JACKSON 5 - ROCK'N'ROLL HALL OF FAME

The Jackson 5 - Rock'n'Roll hall of Fame
Uploaded by choucoune92 -

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was part of the soundtrack to many of our lives we haven’t seen anything like him in his prime since and I seriously doubt we will. Michael first came to prominence as the pint-size nucleus of his family band, the Jackson 5. He quickly became the focal point of the group because of his pinup cuteness and, of course, that voice. What was so remarkable about the young Michael was his ability to communicate youthful innocence, or precocious wisdom, or sometimes both at the same time. But his watershed moments came after he came out of his awkward teenage years.

At 20, Jackson starred in the film version of The Wiz, at which point he met Quincy Jones, who agreed to produce his fifth solo album, Off the Wall. As stunning an artistic statement as Off the Wall was, it did little to prepare anyone for the cultural phenomenon that was his subsequent album, Thriller. The sea change Michael created with Thriller had less to do with the music than with the medium. At the height of MTV, Michael became the first Black artist who gained and sustained inter-generational, multi-ethnic and global appeal. He and the music video grew in tandem. Every music video he released was a major event, which is why MTV's lifetime-achievement statue at its annual awards show still bears his name. He was a major figure in U.S.A. For Africa, the project which gave us We Are The World. As a singer, as a songwriter, as a performer, as a dancer, Michael gave his all. His grasp of performance and presentation remains without parallel. There’s no denying he was the King Of Pop.

There will be a generation of music lovers who will never know what it was to see an artist at the top of his game battling for spots in the Top 40 with other incredible talents, also at their peak. I think of how he, Rick James and Prince tore up the 80s, hitting the radio with instant classics one after another. Michael Jackson leaves an artistic void that no other artist could possibly fill. Michael's legacy will place him as the most gifted, imaginative, larger-than-life musician of any race that has ever come along. He didn't have a perfect life but, he was perfectly talented and among the greatest artistic gifts Black Americans have given to the world. Most of his biggest fans are beyond American shores. How ironic that he passes in June — Black Music Month. His ability to care for the sick, dying, the hungry, he also fought for Little Richard to be paid fairly for his songwriting royalties he was a gentle, caring man. Whatever changed about him over the years that certainly didn't.

The same fame that he thrived on, the fame that the music industry creates, I think Michael felt chained to; I think it was painful. I think Michael Jackson died of a broken heart and a broken soul. Michael Jackson is an icon, a legend that walked among us for a short time, under appreciated when he needed us most, and smothered by our love when he needed privacy. He lived and died in the spotlight, and in some ways, the circus has just begun. We must not let the media decided for us what Michaels’s legacy will be, we cannot be distracted by the negative aspects that surrounded him. I for one will be doing my own personal retrospective about this genuinely phenomenal and gifted artist-entertainer.

This was Michael's life

Michael Jackson Best of Dangerous Di Kuala Lumpur

Author...BJ - Fort Washington, MD
Michael Jackson was a genius, living legend, huge humanitarian and often misunderstood. He was a well loved father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, no doubt. Like other geniuses, his life ended in turmoil but he was loved by most and was given the most sought after title of "King of Pop" selling more than 100 million records of one recording alone. He was a "master" at his craft, he was a loving and kind human being who will be greatly missed by the world. As L.A. Reid of Def Jam Records, put it and I quote; "Stop the chatter and turn up the music on Michael Jackson." After all, we only have one judge and that is our heavenly father and Almighty God, Jehovah by means of his son and our now reigning King Christ Jesus.

Love and Happiness - Asheville, NC
I grew up listen to the jackson five we they had just started as a group. When Michael went out on his own. I really saw what a special person he really was. he put on a show like I never could imagine. I love Michael thru all of his life. I alway wanted Michael to do a comeback show to show the world how wrong that was about him. I can feel how loney and misunderstood people thought about him. He had no childhood like orinary kids and I was brought up the same way. I love Michael and it seems like a part of me is gone too.

Rev. Shirley - New Carrollton, MD
Ronald, my tribute to MJ is that he was one who had a tremendous gift, not a talent, but a gift. A talent is something that one has to work on but a gift is from God. And that is what he had. Anyone who could produce hit after hit from a very early age in life is a gift. Gone to soon from us, but we know that Jesus knows best.

Rest in Peace Michael

! A~W.O.W.: Jesus is my Boo ! - Stkn, CA
The magnitude of Michael Jackson's influence, talent, and genious is etched in entertainment history. He is the greatest performer of all time. My prayers are with the Jackson Family

: : : IN GOD'S HANDS : : : - Buffalo, NY
I think Michael was a phonomimon. I grew up with his music. I was devistated over his death. It seemed like everyone song was a hit. Most of them were. He will surly be missed. I never believed he molested anyone. He had a good heart. I refuse to dwell on the negative. I will go on celebrating the possitive side of his life. Thank you Ron for putting this thing together. I hoped that I have helped in some small way. Michael will live in my heart always. Love Jackie

Antonio M - Capitol, SC
Hi Ron...I was just thinking how stunned I was after learning what was going on in L.A....one thing is for sure history does repeat itself and as usual great genius is never appreciated or celebrated until its gone from our midst...R.I.P. Mike..... 
 
Gwen S - Rincon, AZ
This is somewhat difficult because that is exactly what I've been doing for the last day or so..... sorting out the feelings I have for someone who has been very much a part of my family of entertainers. More than that, in essence, a family member. I, like the rest of the world sang, danced, cried and laughed as we watched Michael grow up; as we grew up with him. Yet, in the early days, many knew he could sing....as lead for the Jackson Five and then as a solo artist. We simply didn't realize during that time that he was that multi-talented and had so many facets to his creative nature; nor did we realize that he would take center stage early in his career - maintain it and impact the world. Michael's untimely death was very much like loosing a beloved family member or friend..........there is an empty place in the core of my being; I must now figure out how to fill it.

Bella Donna - Ellicott, MD
My thoughts are that we have lost the consummate entertainer of the century. I believe that Michael was destined for greatness and there will never be another like him. I’m grateful to the Almighty for giving him to us for this season and I pray that he has found true peace and comfort

 Ladybae - Birmingham, AL
Rip Micheal..... We Loved You But God Loved You Best...You Will Never Be Forgotten  

LINDA R - Inglewood, CA
 SOMETHINGS ARE HARD TO EXPRESS. MICHAEL HAVE BEEN AN HOSEHOLD NAME FOR ASLONG AS I CAN REMEMBER. TO LOSE SOMEONE LIKE THAT IS LIKE LOSING A FAMILY MEMBER. MY HEART GOES OUT TO HIS FAMILY EXSPEACIALLY HIS MOTHER, I KNOW RIGHT NOW HIS FAMILY IS SO HEARTBROKEN UNTIL WORDS CAN NOT CONSOLE THEIR BROKEN HEARTS ONLY LOVE AND THE PEACE OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR CAN HELP THEM NOW. WE CAN PRAY AND ASK GOD TO HELP THEM AND RESPECT THEIR WISHES.  

! ! !1Sexyrican09! ! ! - Virginia Bch, VA
I'm very sadden by the lost of Micheal Jackson, I'm sure we lost him many many years ago. This time we have lost his flesh. I will keep him in my heart for as long as I live.  

!!1Queen www.banginmagazine.com!! - Desoto, TX
I grew up on Jackson 5; the music, the cartoons, watching some of his concerts that later aired on T.V. When I was little, my brother and I used to play "concert".....He would be Michael Jackson, standing on my mom's table (of course she wasn't home)....don't tell...lol.....I would sing and spin like Michael. I was the audience, screaming"Michael! Michael!" Those were fun times. I enjoyed the cartoons and all of his songs. Thriller and Billy Jean were my favorite. Michael was a very talented Man and great Entertainer!....

! ! ! ! ! ! CaramelDrip"HendrixKru" - Tucker, GA
Michael Jackson (may he rest in peace) was truly an icon to the African American musical culture representing talents on all levels. He crossed many genre's which is what earned him the title of the "KING OF POP" rightfully so! He was not only a singer, song writer, dancer, performer, & entertainer but he was indeed a musical genius. He paved the way for so many other African American artists today to be as expressive and as creative as they are because Michael was so skillful and so poised in his craft. His moves were like fluid in motion, he just made it look so simple, so easy, so natural, so Michael! Michael will sorely by missed, but never imitated and definitely not forgotten! His legacy will surely live on. WE LOVE YOU MICHAEL....God Bless!
Thanks, my name is Shon!

John B - East Vineland, NJ
When I think of Michael Jackson I am suprised. Here is a young man who spent 80 % of his entire life in professional entertainment and we never really some more than 10 %, probably, of his talent. This week since his death I have been viewiing the hundreds of videos he had done. The depth of his talent is amazing. The subtle things that are brought out in his videos and music will required reviewing and analyzing for years to come to totally understand. He is truly one of the masters of this generation. Only the future will prove his real position in the world and history of music. He along with Stevie Wonder may turn out to be the must iconic of all of the musical genius of all time. He is more amazing, each day I see something new all over again.
John Boykin June 28, 2009

 

USA For Africa - We Are The World

USA For Africa - We Are The World
Uploaded by GMRedskins

(Harry Belafonte, Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Lyndsay Buckingham, Kim Carnes, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Shela E, Bob Geldof, Daryl Hall And John O, James Ingram, Huey Lews & The News, Jacke Jackson, Mickael Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Randy Jackson, Al Jarreau, Waylon Jennings, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Cyndi Lauper, Diana Ross, Kenny Loggins, Bette Mdler, Willei Nelson, Jeffrey Osborne, Steve Ferry, Lionel Ritchie, S Robinson, D Warwick ...)


There comes a time, when we need a certain call
When the world must come together as one
There are people dying, time to lend a hand
to life the greatest gift of all

We can't go on pretending day by day
That someone, somewhere will soon make a change
We are all a part of God's great big family
And the truth, you know, love is all we need

We are the world, we are the children
We are the ones to make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're savin gour own lives, it's true
We make better days, just you and me

Send them your heart
So they'll know that someone cares
And their lives will be stronger and free
As God has shown us by turning stone to bread
So we all must lend a helping hand

We are the world ...

When you're down and out
There seems no hope at all
But if you just believe
There's no way we can fall

Let us realize that a change will only come
When we stand together as one

We are the world ...

(Michael Jackson)

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson - Earth Song



Barb B - Mansfield, OH
Michael, Michael, Michael, my heart is still aching, long befor e his tragic passing my heart ached for him. I had hoped and prayed his upcoming tour would be sucessful for him.
I like almost everyone that loved him, fell in love with him right from the beginning, all my kids loved him also.
One of my daughters had Michael Jackson some of everything all over her room, so in 1984 when I was able to get tickets for the Victory Tour,we were right there in the Pontiac Silverdome when he hit that stage and what a show that was. wish now I had, had more money to buy the stuff they were selling, we got a few items.
I spent the last 2 days going thru my albums looking for his, was only able to find 7 here in Ohio, hopefully the rest are in Michigan. I was elated when I found my December 2007 issue of Ebony with him on the cover! I have lots of VHS tpes, with videos of him onthem, now I will have make sure I tranfer them to cd's,
In short I really and truly Love Michael Jackson!

Much Luv From Tess! Top Notch - Tallahassee,Fl
After learning about Micheal jackson death I was shocked as everyone else until I watched the BET awards last night. when Jamie Foxx and Ne-Yo starting singing the last song right before Janet came out to speak. then I notice my 10years old great nephew crying and it suddenly hit me that this Man was actually gone from the face of this world. So with saying that I will miss him and was really looking forward in to hearing his next upcoming Dc. With my prayer to the family and other MJ fans Just remember him as he was and rememeber, everyone has faults in their lives his just happen to be in the public eye

!!!Kae Kay**Pretty Black** - East Chicago, IN
I think Mike got a bad deal. I feel that he was so nice and caught up in child like behavior that people exploited it. I really feel that Milke did not get to enjoy his childhood, so once he was an adult he still behaved as if he was still a child. I do not think he molested anyone, but I do feel that he himself was molested. I think that is why he only felt completely comfortable with children, because he knew that they could not hurt him.

! ! ! Pastor MP ~XPA~ - Berkeley Lake, GA
Alot of his songs were prophetic, weather they were meant to be or not. I found them to be an inspiration .
I will miss Micheal Jackson.

Jackie E - Kingston, Jamaica
Micheal is my idol and his memories will always live on, may his soul R.I .P

Linda G (TEAM MERCY)#029 - Tampa, FL
MICHAEL WAS JUST LIKE A PERSONAL FRIEND ALTHOUGH I NEVER MET HIM I FEEL THAT HE IS A MUSICAL GENUIS AND HE WILL ALWAYS LIVE IN MY HEART WE GREW UP TOGETHER


Michael Jackson - Jam

Michael Jackson - Jam
Uploaded by mjjunior11

Michael Jackson - Cry

Michael Jackson -Cry
Uploaded by foxysoul

Michael Jackson - You Rock My World

Michael Jackson - You Rock My World
Uploaded by djoik

Michael Jackson - Man In the Mirror (1989 Grammy Awards)

RESPONSIBLE FATHERHOOD! - HAPPY FATHER'S DAY OTHG!



THE FULL TOWN MEETING ON FATHERHOOD & PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY




Thank you Kitty

NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY

NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT Charles Durning PBS



NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT National Guard PBS



BILL MOYERS JOURNAL Honoring Veterans PBS



NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT Salute to the Services PBS



Memorial Day Concert - Gladys Knight "If I Could"



Gladys Knight "Let There Be Peace On Earth"

Native American Women

Native Voices: Tribute to Women
This is a special video dedicated to the women who have guided, are guiding, and will guide, the peoples of their native cultures. History tried to erase them, but their spirits continue to endure.


Lakota Women



The feminine world of Native Americans