A day to remember Michael Jackson 1958-2009
4:17 p.m.
“Watching Usher sing to Michael’s casket. Tears rolling down my cheeks.” — Atlantan Jane Fonda, reacting to a fellow Atlantan’s tribute to Jackson, on Twitter.
4:12 p.m.
“The world will never be the same with the loss of Michael Jackson. But we are a better place because of him leaving his mark on us. A mark that can never be erased, we love you Mike, God bless your family.” Former Sounds of Blackness singer and Fayetteville resident Ann Nesby on Facebook.
3:37 p.m.
The service concluded with the Jackson family on stage sharing remembrances of their brother. Janet comforted her niece Paris.
The family then shared a group hug on stage with Jackson’s children.
“I just want to say that ever since I was born,” Paris started quietly.
Urged Aunt Janet behind her: “Speak up sweetheart, speak up.”
Paris, 11, then said in a stronger voice: “Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine.”
Crying she added: “And I just want to say I love him so much.”
Janet then hugged Paris as the family thanked fans and left the stage.
Jackson’s casket was removed from the arena to the strains of Jackson’s hit, “Man in the Mirror.”
3:07 p.m.
Atlanta pop star Usher appears on stage to perform Jackson’s “Gone Too Soon:
Dressed in a dark suit with a yellow rose in his lapel, Usher introduced the song, saying: We love you Michael. You mean so much to us. Especially me. ”
The singer broke down as he got to the final refrain when he looked over at Jackson’s casket. Overcome, Usher removed his dark glasses.
The Jackson brothers strode over to help and hug the singer as did Janet. Usher then bent down to kiss the hand of Katherine Jackson and to share a few private words with her.
3:02 p.m.
Atlantan Martin Luther King III walks to the podium with sister Bernice King:
Said King III: “The entire Jackson family, our prayers and condolences are constantly with you. My father once said ‘In life, one must discover what his calling is. When they do, they must do their jobs so well that the living, the dead and the unborn could do no better.’ He constantly challenged us to become our best by stating ‘If you cannot be a pine on a a top of a hill, why, just be a shrub in the valley. But be the best shrub. Be a bush on the side of the road, if you cannot be a tree. If you cannot be the highway, just be a trail. It’s not by size that you win or you fail. You’ve got to be the best of what you are.’ ”
“Michael Jackson was truly the best at what he was. On June 25, because he was the best, I believe that heaven and earth did pause to say, ‘Here lived a great entertainer who did his job.’ ”
Bernice King said of Jackson, who she first met as a young girl: “Being a part of world reknown family who has experienced a sudden death on more than one occasion, my prayer is that no one and nothing, public or private, fact or fiction will separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus. Ultimately at the end of the day, it is only God’s love that will anchor you and sustain you and move you to a higher ground, far above from the noise of life. There you will find the peace, the comfort and joy to advance Michael’s legacy. For all of us, it is apparent that, like our father and mother Martin and Coretta King, Michael’s life and work was inspired by the love of God. Throughout the ages, few are chosen from amongst us to use their gifts and talents to demonstrate God’s love to bring the world together in true sister and brotherhood. Michael was such a talent.”
“Michael was always concerned with others. I want the world to know that Michael, despite being embroiled in accusations and persecutions, in October 2005, three months before her death, I was with Ma when Michael called her all the way from the Middle East. Although she couldn’t speak because of a debilitating stroke, she listened as he said to her that he was praying on his knees for her. And he wanted to know if music was being played in her room because of its healing effect. My only wish is that he could have seen the glow on her face. That day, Michael Jackson made my mother smile despite her condition. What an unforgettable moment.”
2:36 p.m. Former Atlanta singer-songwriter John Mayer, in vest, tie and dress shirt, emerges on stage with an electric guitar to play the “Thriller” hit single, “Human Nature.”
2:33 p.m. Janet Jackson, dressed in black and wearing sunglasses in front row. The Jackson family stood to greet family friend Rev. Al Sharpton after his fiery, revival-like tribute.
2:07 p.m.
“I’m at the memorial. RIP Michael Jackson…” — Part-time Atlantan and rapper-actor Sean Diddy Combs on Twitter.
2:02 p.m.
“If only the public, the media, the family, attorneys, etc. could have only shown this much love, compassion, respect and care while Michael Jackson was alive…”
— Atlanta singer-songwriter Michelle Malone on Twitter.
1:54 p.m.
“RIP Michael Jackson …I’m bummed all over again … Wouldn’t you agree that life feels different without him.” — Atlanta music producer Dallas Austin on Twitter.
1:21 p.m.
“Dear Gazillion-TV-News-Helicopters-Covering-MJ’s-Funeral: Please don’t collide and crash on top of my house.”
—Tweet on Twitter from “The Office” actor and former Atlantan Brian Baumgartner on the frenzy overhead Tuesday in Los Angeles.
1:06 p.m.
“After Dr. King was assassinated, The Jackson Five brought us so much hope and inspiration.”
— Donna Brazile, veteran political strategist and Louisiana native on CNN on growing up being a Jackson fan.
12:26 p.m.
As he filed into the Staples Center Tuesday morning, Atlantan Chris Malatia explained to Buzz why he made the trek across the country to pay his respects to Michael Jackson.
“He changed music,” Malatia, 53, explained. “He changed culture. He changed race. He brought the world together.”
As Malatia wound his way inside the venue with thousands of other fans clustered around him, his daughter Michelle, 30, was making her way into the adjacent Nokia facility which was housing the memorial service’s overflow.
“I grew up with Michael and my girls became fans listening to the music in the house. He was just a part of our history. My girls ended up being even bigger fans. The guy was a master. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of this?”
The Malatias spent Monday traveling to Jackson’s Neverland Ranch and his parents Joe and Katherine Jackson’s family home.
“The memorials are everywhere and are indescribable unless you’re here to see it,” he said. “It’s just massive. It’s a complete frenzy.”
7:42 AM
As countless Michael Jackson fans prepared to bid the pop star a final goodbye Tuesday morning, family spokesman Ken Sunshine promised “an extraordinary event, one that people will remember all their lives.”
In Georgia, hundreds of fans are expected to watch the 1 p.m. memorial beamed into Carmike Cinema locations in Conyers, Columbus and Savannah. The 1 p.m. broadcast will be carried live on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, Fox News and other outlets.
Here at Buzz Central, we’re gearing up to provide coverage all day as notable Atlantans like Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri, Martin Luther King III and Bernice King, Usher, Akon and other prepare to say farewell at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Check back all day for updates.
What are your thoughts on Jackson today? Do you plan to watch the memorial? Where? Will you watch with friends, family or from work? Or are you on Jackson overload and planning to skip the entire thing?
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95 comments Add your comment
Carlaruth
July 7th, 2009
8:21 am
The poor man didn’t have a moment of piece in his lifetime. At least let him have some in his death.
mark
July 7th, 2009
8:23 am
I will be on the road so no I won’t watch. Hurry up and get that brotha in the ground so that he ca R.I.P.
SS
July 7th, 2009
8:45 am
I will be working at that time, I am on MJ overload with having a roomate who is obsessed with all MJ. Rest in peace MJ, you did have an impact on the world and your music will forever be remembered.
tasha
July 7th, 2009
8:48 am
Not watching the world fawn over a ‘man’ who was obviously mentally ill and who believed sleeping in a bed with young boys was normal.
sick and tired of the freak
July 7th, 2009
8:48 am
ENOUGH ALREADY!! Why all the hype over the freak? It’s been 13 days since he died. Let it go!!!
Carter is a Fool
July 7th, 2009
8:56 am
Favorite Memory — June 25th 2009. He was a faded out has been who was really creepy. He was has
had the world focus on him when he was sicko, drug addict, pervert. Really admirable traits, but perfect for the media’s adoration and attention.
eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
eeeeeeeeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
sick and tired of the freak
July 7th, 2009
9:06 am
And other thing, we have service men and women dying everyday and they don’t get anywhere near this kind of attention at their funerals.
sick and tired of the freak
July 7th, 2009
9:08 am
I love Carter is a fool’s comment. Way to go!!!!
Chell
July 7th, 2009
9:09 am
I swear, if I have to see one more person laughing and carrying on about getting a “ticket.” People seem to be forgetting, this is a funeral – or a “memorial” at best. Someone died. These freaks are making it a freak show. I think it would have been better to let the man rest in peace. Of course, with Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton involved, that would never have happened.
ta da
July 7th, 2009
9:10 am
chell it IS a freak show. The Man of the hour was the biggest freak around.
NED IWUJI
July 7th, 2009
9:18 am
NOT A SINGLE ONE OF US KNOWS HOW THIS MAN LIVED OR DIED. WE CAN ONLY ASSUME (ASS OUT OF U AND ME) THAT THE MEDIA SHED SOME SORT OF WHAT THEY CALL LIGHT ON HIS LIFE. WE HAVE KNOW IDEA HOW UNHAPPY OR HAPPY THE MAN WAS. CLEARLY HE HAD ISSUES–DON’T WE ALL??? LET THIS MAN REST IN PEACE AND LET HIS FAMILY MOURN THIER FATHER, BROTHER, SON, UNCLE, FRIEND. GOOD GOD, SOME PEOPLE ARE SO IGNORANT ITS NO WONDER WHY THE MAN WAS AN INTROVERT. GOD BLESS AND MOVE ON.
JILLIAN JAMESON
July 7th, 2009
9:19 am
Ned, WELL SAID!!!!
ta da
July 7th, 2009
9:23 am
believe me I wish they would mourn him in private. And not make his death a spectacle. But they arent and with that they invite the thoughts of others. But they have always wanted the spotlight, and continue to crave it whatever will they do when this is over.
Becky
July 7th, 2009
9:25 am
Amen Ned….How would most of us react to being watched 24/7 most all of our life?
Monique B.
July 7th, 2009
9:39 am
I loved Michael Jackson and I’m still mourning. I always felt connected to him thtough his music. Even though I never met him he tocuhed my soul. Regardless of how the media portrayed him I always remained a fan. He was so talented no one will ever top him. Michael Jackson touched many with his music and he was an awesome dancer. He is unbreakable. I hope he rests in peace and I pray for his family. I wish people that had something negative to say about him kept it to himself. He died and he is leaving children, family and loved ones behind who cared a great deal about him. Let people mourn the way they desire to and let’s not judge this man who has done so much for human kind. His music will live on because it never gets old. I’ve been listening to him since I was a baby and I’m 25 now and his music makes me happy. He wqas such a talent. May god be with him.
Alan
July 7th, 2009
9:43 am
Who cares about this guy? He slept with little kids, he molested some, he hung his kid over a balcony, he got sperm from a white male to use to get his wife pregnant so he could have white kids. You people want to celebrate that? Blacks in this country sure are confused. I wonder how many riots and arrests will take place in LA today???????
Your Sweetlady
July 7th, 2009
9:51 am
Not one of you who put MJ down know him. You allow media to put things that they dont know without a shadow of doubt and you utter it as it is the truth. What is in your closet that is not on media blast? What have you done that no one knows about? Are you so perfect, without sin?
God is a God of love, peace, patience, kindness and God is forgiving. Whatever god you serve is normally looking on your heart. You cant hide from him. So let God judge him. If you have nothing good to say just dont waste your moments trying to give hatred. Just pray that your loved ones will be ok and that your deepest, darkest secret doesnt get out so you can be judged by hateful people.
God is love. Love God and just live your life.
God bless the Jackson family as they get through this tough time of losing a family member, a son, father, brother and uncle.
sam
July 7th, 2009
9:59 am
i dont really know michele jackson but i have heard some of his music before and i think it is great.
Black Panther (Huey Newton)
July 7th, 2009
9:59 am
For all the people speaking negative about Michael Jackson tell me what have you done to make the world a better place, and help children all across the world? Have you guys ever started movement that helped families in Africa eat because the government was keeping all the during the dry seasons which caused sickness, death, starvation. Michael did all of this when he started the U.S.A of Africa movement he was a great humanitarian. Also, you guys call him sick and a freak he was never convicted of a crime and if you say he paid a family off well while he was under hypnosis he was asked by a doctor had he ever touch a child inappropriatlly he stated no that he paid the family so that they would leave him alone and he was not hypnotize by a doctor so that he could answer that question it was for totally different reason he wanted to stop eatting a certain food.
Steve
July 7th, 2009
10:17 am
Can we pick a day to forget him? What a joke these so called ‘celebrities’ are like Jamie Foxx coming out in Michael Jackson drag in honor of him and a year before he was making fun of the guy in his comedy. Now we have Al Sharpton pimping Michael in hopes of making a fast buck. And NED, you dind’t know him either, relax….everyone has a right to their opinion. An introvert? What a joke. Everything MJ did was for publicity. Another singer died of a drug overdose…wow the look of shock on my face. People, get a real life and stop the hero worship. You probably have spent more time on this stupid media garbage than you have with your own family this week. I have much more sympathy for the soldiers killed this week than some drug addict pervert that died. Toss some dirt on his skinny drugged out butt and get on with your lives.
Tracey
July 7th, 2009
10:20 am
Talented musician. Family loved him. Was mentally ill, don’t flame me, all you had to do was look at him. Never proven to be a pedophile but insisting on sleeping with young boys, even after he paid off a young man shows, at best, a lack of good judgement and at worst the idea that he was above the conventional social mores.
As for his family. They are part of the reason this is a freak show. Have a private quiet funeral and then have a public memorial if you want. If they want to grieve with a huge memorial service, ok, but don’t flame people who find it tasteless and overdone.
I to loved his music and grew up listening to his songs.
Please stop the “who among you judging him has not sinned” crap. None of us are perfect, but there have been several young boys who accused this man of being a pedophile. He’s the king of pop so his fans chose to not believe? I’ll bet all of you believed all the kids who said they were molested by their priests!!!
I’m sorry that so talented an individual was so mentally ill and freaky that his talent, in the end, disappeared. It’s always a tragedy when that happens, but he wasn’t a saint, was not without sin, and truthfully had stopped being the King of Pop years ago.
Bury him and move on!
White Cat (David Duke)
July 7th, 2009
10:34 am
He looked dead 15 years ago. Who cares?
Chris
July 7th, 2009
10:38 am
Black people will take advantage of any situation to make a big deal about things. It does not matter if it is good or bad. Especially the racist Al Sharpton and racist Jesse Jackson. Jamie Foxx is also a racist after what he said at the BET awards (when will the white award shows be coming out by the way)?
Black Panther (Huey Newton)
July 7th, 2009
11:03 am
Chris
July 7th, 2009
10:08 am
WOW! “Black Panther?” If you care so much about that fantastic country of Africa, why don’t you move there and start helping? How about you get your fellow “Panthers” and have a rally in downtown Atlanta aimed towards your fellow thugs to stop destroying our city with crime?
WOW! Chris nothing in my statement suggested that I care about Africa so much. I care about all countries that are going through hardship just not Africa. And i am helping people all over the world by sending them supplies they need for school. So tell me Chris what have you done to make the world a better place? probably nothing just complaining about blacks “Thugs as you like to say” but let me give you want true T.H.U.G.S stands for: True Humble Gathering Souls what about you? Every problem in your world is created by African-Americans well that’s is so old it was out before your and my time try to find something else to complain about your life might get a little better
KD
July 7th, 2009
11:22 am
If he died 15 days ago, shouldn’t there be a odor problem ? I’ll call my local morticitian.
WAKE UP AMERICA!!!
July 7th, 2009
11:33 am
I will not be watching a child molester get laid to rest! I was a MJ fan as a kid and was upset when the first person accused him of being a child molester. I figured it was just another one of these individuals that sue people because they are too lazy to get off their rear and earn what they have but, when they just kept happening and his reaction was always writing a check it showed me the truth! The last kid ( supposedly ) reported a mole on his penis and was exactly right. Come on really!
What really upsets me is that a state that is clearly broke would pay for someone to be worshipped that is worth 500 Million dollars and a disgrace to human dignity! We have men and women dying over seas to protect us not to harm us! Where is their Grand Ceremonies ?
Obviously some people care more about Rapist and Drug addicts more than they care about children!
My final comments for MJ is JUST BEAT IT and enjoy HELL!
Ms Ice
July 7th, 2009
11:37 am
Michael Jackson is already RESTING IN PEACE…his Soul is at peace right now! We don’t know the truth and like others said we can only go by what we heard and saw in the Media…I pray he made peace with God before he left…that’s what we all need to think about getting yourself right with God if you haven’t already…think about it..WHERE WILL YOU SPEND ETERNITY…SMOKING OR NON-SMOKING i.e. HEAVEN OR HELL????
Ken
July 7th, 2009
11:44 am
When Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson die is when we should have a true celebration.
mike
July 7th, 2009
11:46 am
all you people are crazy.. a guy died.. let him rest.. no need to defend him or rip him to shreds….
John
July 7th, 2009
11:57 am
SO when Paul McCarthy dies there will be a huge celebration like this right? Al Sharpton and Jesse will be there by the family’s side right? I can’t get over how much people care about a child molester who slept with young boys, and endangered his kids (who are not even his biologically!!!)
miss b
July 7th, 2009
12:04 pm
If you don’t care about this man, why comment? Yes, black people will celebrate when there is a reason to,and the reason is celebrating his music. No one knows him personally, but music is connected with the soul and if you listen to the message he talks about hope and making the world a better place, and looking within yourself to make changes. Just like his song said “leave me alone” LEAVE HIM ALONE!!!! I guess those that think that he is a child molestor havent heard the tapes where the parents of the child coached thier child to say that he did these unthinkable things ? You cant believe everything in the media because they are just trying to get the juiciest story whether its the truth or not! Some of the things he did,we may never understand because we didnt livehis life, he Never had a NORMAL childhood, and he was trying to relivewhat he missed . God Bless his family and may he give them peace and restore thier joy.
aaron
July 7th, 2009
12:07 pm
“Miss B” are you that uneducated? You don’t think he is a child molester? If he was innocent, why would he settle out of court and pay $40 million? One would think if a person really is innocent, they will fight in court to prove their innocence. It sure is sad that blacks can only use a very small percentage of their brain. Everything on the news shows you people celebrating when this is a MEMORIAL service. You should have “celebrated” when he was alive.
WAKE UP AMERICA!!!
July 7th, 2009
12:09 pm
If you were worth 500 Million Dollars would you pay a lawyer to defend you from being a child molester or would you just pay them millions to leave you alone???
HUMM.. Lets think about that!!! If you think too long you may just be a MJ !!
slingblade
July 7th, 2009
12:22 pm
We have simply become a nation of zombies…we idolize individuals that are and have the most serious of issues, we look up to those who look down on us, we would give our lives to those who would never spare ours, we have become so blind in a world that only those who see clearly will survive…but so what…we do it because….we can…we are this because…we can be…. so wahhlaa, have at it!
slingblade
July 7th, 2009
12:29 pm
America will never awaken , they have become entrenched in the celebrity of sickies galore, look at how we have turned politics into such a laugh…for Gods sake we have Al Frankin in as a U.S. Senator, We have the terminator as a governor, and you can say California has been terminated, now for another week we will hear and see all the freaks and the stories coming out of todays BS…. we will likely continue this downward spiral and a catastrophic crash is coming…strap on your seat belts…..Hitler couldn’t have dreamed up a bigger demise of America
slingblade
July 7th, 2009
12:37 pm
I laugh at the Jackson fans…most you see and hear are truly seeking the chance of celebrity, just look at the lines for auditions, ex: American idol, Model and Dance shows, Talent etc. and 99 percent of these people have not even the ability to walk and chew gum at the same time, this is today’s America,, we have become a nation of celebrity ..in a poll it was the number one wish of todays youth…to be a celeb. This is proof…lala land exists! Look at the LA area today if you do not believe this….laughable
SAR
July 7th, 2009
12:53 pm
We started all this when we glorified a fat, drugged out skank stripper named Anna Nicole Smith and now we have a child molesting freak of nature we’re doing the same with. How much coverage have we gotten about the soldiers deaths from the war this week? Not much, it’s all about people pimping this creep and his creepy freak of nature family. Gross, the whole bunch of them and that slicked back greasy looking Al Sharpton…yuck…just gross. None of the Jackson’s even look human anymore. Janet, Latoya….they all look like freaks of nature.
falconjacket
July 7th, 2009
12:59 pm
I feel for the family but this is a circus. What about our real heroes overseas getting killed. This guy was a freak show and this kind of coverage tells the story of where our country is headed and it is not good. Unless something happened before he died that we do not know about, I feel sorry for him because we know where he is now and it is not pleasant.
Bury him
July 7th, 2009
1:41 pm
How long can you pimp a dead man? Isn’t there laws in regards to burying people in whacko California? I know his family is all about money and as long as MJ is on tour, like he is now, his music is selling and they’re making a fast buck, but for Gods sake…isn’t there a law about how much pimping you can do with one corpse?
Emily
July 7th, 2009
1:45 pm
I just read where this freak-feast fiasco is costing cash strapped California THREE MILLION DOLLARS. I hope someone looks into this 3 ring circus and makes the family pay for this. Afterall, this is all planned and predicated on making money. This is making me sick.
Chris
July 7th, 2009
1:54 pm
Several US soldiers killed serving their country in Afganistan and no media frenzy. They did more, gave more than this twit.
Ed
July 7th, 2009
2:20 pm
A gold casket? You can’t leave the ghetto, no matter what your wheels are.
Jennifer
July 7th, 2009
2:21 pm
“RIP Michael Jackson …Wouldn’t you agree that life feels different without him?” Yes, Dallas Austin, life will be very different for all of those children who will lead happy lives now that he isn’t around to molest them.
Rob
July 7th, 2009
2:31 pm
Enough already. He was a great artist & we can remember his contributions. But we make less of a fuss over our soldiers dying in combat.
Let’s get back to the real world. This multi-million dollar family now wants people to help with expenses?
Ed
July 7th, 2009
2:56 pm
Let’s see…a has-been from the the 80’s dies and all these folks who wouldn’t be caught dead with this career killer afew short months now havetheir best shades, suits and weaves on and now they’re making a buck off him. Sweet. Pray for the fallen US soliders, they’re worth your prayers. Not this three ring ghettofeast.
James Brodsky
July 7th, 2009
2:59 pm
MJ will soon join with other perverts, and we know where that place is. What a shame Congress is likely going to give him a humanitarian award, they have already observed a moment of silence for him. How about the thousands of military servicemen and women who have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Where are the honors for them?!?! All this hoopla over MJ makes me sick to my stomach. People have lost their minds over a 50 year old man who slept with young boys.
Ms. Writer
July 7th, 2009
3:08 pm
Elvis was a drunk and drug addict – Frank Sinatra was a drunk and a philanderer – Marilyn Monroe was a w-ore and a drug addict – some of you are drug addicts, molesters, drunks, cheats, adulterers….
Cast the first stone….
Ms. Writer
July 7th, 2009
3:12 pm
As a matter of fact Princess Di “DIED” with her adulterer in the car wit her…..I thought sin was sin…
Ms. Writer
July 7th, 2009
3:20 pm
Each of these people added to society although they had “demons” like we all do….Only God can judge.
David S
July 7th, 2009
3:23 pm
Its amazing how Al Sharpton, the King family, and Sheila Jackson Lee can turn this memorial into another race-baiting fest. When will they wake up and realize that the world has never cared about race as long as you had something of value to offer to it. In Michael’s case he had his wonderful music and dancing talent. Much like the hundreds of talented black artists that came before him he did not break down any racial bariers. They were simply not there. White audiences have been enjoying the talents of whites and people of color for hundreds of years. Yes, the circumstances in the rest of society have not always been as friendly. Many of these performers were not allowed to stay in the hotels they performed at, nor able to eat at the restaurants they played at, but those things have changed, all for the better.
It is mostly in the world of politics where race matters. Politicians have nothing to offer that anyone would freely pay for, so they must pander to the lowest form of race baiting to move their agendas forward.
Michael frankly was unhappy he was black. He was not a pioneer for blacks. Plenty of entertainers came before him. He sought to alter his appearance to become white. All of his children are white. He did not even what one of them to be his biologically.
Today should have been a celebration of his life, and for Brooke Shields, it was. Her ulogy was outstanding. How tragic that washed up racists like Sharpton and others feel the need to turn the life of every successful black into a tool for their agenda.
Those of us who believe in the power of the free market see Michael’s life as what it really was – the success of an INDIVIDUAL as a result of the product they delivered to the marketplace. He didn’t need any government favors to be successful. He didn’t need any affirmative action to make whites listen to his music. He didn’t need “stimulus programs” or other wasteful government tools to subsidize his career. He was successful, not in spite of being black, not because he was black, but because he was a great and popular INDIVIDUAL.
The race problem in this country will continue unabated so long as the likes of Sharpton, King, and Lee are given the spotlight to continue to perpetuate a problem that most of society has already moved well beyond.