Michael Jackson’s memorial service could only be described as extraordinary.
In a two hour ceremony at the Staples Center in Los Angeles in the presence of thousands, there were musical and other tributes from scores of celebrities, including Smokey Robinson, Lionel Rickie, Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder, and Usher, who celebrated the life and work of the superstar.
Without exception, the many that eulogized Michael, including Queen Latifah, Berry Gordy, Motown Founder, Kobe Bryant and Magic Johnson, Brooke Shields, Martin Luther King III and Bernice King, and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas, all spoke to the greatness of the man, not only on account of his music and the legacy that he leaves behind, but his love for humanity.
But perhaps the Reverend Al Sharpton put it best when he underscored the fact that Michael Jackson never gave up dreaming and how the superstar did not accept limitations.
In a beautifully delivered tribute, Sharpton reminded that Michael was responsible in large measure for bringing peoples of the world together through his music, creativity, dance, and love, notwithstanding differences of race, culture, and religion.
Sharpton opined that it was on account of Michael’s work and message that it became easier for the world to accept and watch shows like Oprah’s or famed golfer Tiger Woods. “Michael thought us how to stand together”, said Sharpton.
In a direct message to Jackson’s three children, Sharpton said that there was nothing strange about their Dad. “What he had to deal with was strange, but he dealt with it anyway”, he said.
Most tributes spoke to how deeply the pop star cared for family, friends and his fans.
Brooke Shields noted that the King of Pop was caring, funny, honest and pure.
It seemed on this day, that any defect that the superstar might have had was put away, and focus was on the positive.
In closing the memorial service, Pastor Lucius Smith asked that everyone look at the man or woman in the mirror and change the way we treat each other!
Editor’s Note: More to come on the Memorial Service of Michael Jackson
