The old folks claim “Death comes in threes.” In my memorial week, there were four funerals. The quartet of well-liked and well-known personages included four African-Americans whom I had met during my three decades as a working journalist: Wanda Gills, a community developer; Dempsey Travis, a real estate mogul and author; Frederick Douglass Sengstacke, scion of the founder of the Chicago Defender; and Michael Jackson, whom I had covered when I was a Hollywood entertainment reporter.


In both public and private ways, I participated in memorials for each during this week that was. The person I knew the least is the one folks are talking about the most – the “King of Pop” – Michael Jackson. All I recall as I reflect on nearly three decades ago was the swarm of sycophants, hangers-on and wannabees who buzzed around this oft-unusual, strange, famous, singer-songwriter who was estranged from a lecherous populace that seemed to suck him dry. The circus seemed sick.


And while my surly comments appear frivolous with the legions reporting on this legend, I thought it might be instructive to hear what some locals had to say. Afri-Ware owner, Nzingha Ama Nommo, offered her

Lake Street
bookstore and cultural center as an all-day memorial to the pop star. Jackson hailed from the Gary area where some even remembered how this family of 11 lived in a two-bedroom house at a spot we know as “
2300 Jackson Street
.” Upon visiting Afri-Ware during the time 31 million TV viewers looked at his public memorial in Los Angeles, I was struck by the plethora of buttons, cards and other Michael Jackson material. I praised Nzingha for offering her spot as a place to commemorate his life while simultaneously mourning his death. She simply said, “Thanks.” Others chimed in this way.

 


“The end of Michael Jackson’s tragic life will nourish the much longer life of both his music and his performance genius.”


John Frederick Troelstrup

 


“The passing of Michael Jackson into history is significant (to me). Having grown up with MJ’s musical genius, I truly appreciated his musical style. Remembering back to my collegiate days, I truly liked the songs ‘Baby, I Want You Back,’ ‘ABC,’ and ‘I’ll Be There.’ And, as a history teacher, I truly enjoy ‘Do You Remember the Time?’ MJ’s untimely passing is a clarion call to all of us to: live a good life, have your financial house in order via a legal will, and to treat each day as if it might be your last day. To live life to its fullest and to leave a legacy your kith and kin can be truly proud of is the greatest joy of all.  MJ’s inspirational music touched my soul and, I am sure, will live on for generations unbroken.”


Mark Vance

 


“I think that the media attention to Michael Jackson’s passing has been very interesting, very complex and a lesson to us all. With all of the talent, acclaim and wealth that Jackson possessed, he obviously wasn’t comfortable in his own skin, which I think is tragic. His passing, and the attention given to his life, makes us all stop and consider our own definitions of success and happiness. When I listen to his music and attempt for the 100th time to figure out how he did that moon walk, I will remember him with a sense of awe – but a touch of sadness as well.”


Jessica MacKinnon

 


“I consider MJ and myself as contemporaries going back to my teen years in boarding school, in Lagos, Nigeria. My colleagues and I would fight over who would be Michael as we sang the Jackson 5 songs. Later on, as a radio DJ, I used the ‘ABC’ song as the intro for one of my youth programs called ‘The In-Crowd.’ I will always cherish the joy of watching my 3-year-old son, who is now an adult, singing ‘Beat It’ and doing the moon walk. Michael Jackson was a phenomenal artist who bridged generations and cultures throughout the world. He was a true citizen of the world, and his body of work exemplifies his sincere concern for global unity and harmony. His legacy of ‘trying to make this world a better place for you and me’ will endure. May he rest in peace.”


Ade Onayemi 

 


Stan West, an Oak Parker for 16 years, is a former foreign correspondent for Pacific News Service. He is an author, educator, filmmaker and human rights activist. But his favorite job, he says, is being a parent.

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