Michael Jackson's death: Processing the shocking end to a legend's life

Even though we did not know Michael personally, we could all relate to his music, I really loved watching his videos, I called them mini movies because they were so detailed and really represented what he was saying in the song.  There will never be another like him.  I was looking forward to hearing some new stuff from him not knowing that it was being put together already, and then to get the news about his death was so devasting.  There was a terrible feeling in my gut that something had gone seriously wrong.  He will truly be missed and he gave so much of himself to others through all his funding of various organizations to help children across the globe.

TThis comment is not about Michael Jacksons death. I am trying to get some infomation on the South End reunion.

I moved out of the South End years ago but do keep in touch with a few old friends.  Anyone with info  leave it on the blog.  I am glad that the Banner is up and running again. 

I am so glad the Banner is back!  It is my connection to everything I love about the Banner, my people and making new connections

Michael will truly be missed!

Growing up in Orchard Park project on the Adams street side, my friends and I would each grab a pole, I was always the lead singer, and sing all of the jackson songs.  When he past my friend called we both were feeling a lost of our past.  We will never undstand what happen in his life, but it is not up to us to judge.  I will always remember the joy he brought in my life and my friends of the past.

The first time I heard him was out of a transistor radio, 68RKO (WRKO) from 10 Elm Hill Park, Roxbury.  Just a huge huge loss.

Sitting here…sitting here…

I can very clearly REMEMBER THE TIME when I was just a PYT, and I would sit in my room, and ROCK WITH YOU as you sang songs that gave me BUTTERFLIES. Sometimes I would close my eyes and pretend I was on stage with you, singing with you at your concert! Now I know that may seem a little OFF THE WALL, but it made me feel like a superstar cuz I would SHAKE MY BODY DOWN TO THE GROUND like a true DANCIN’ MACHINE. Now, I admit, sometimes I got so into it, that I did feel a little silly, but I would quickly realize that I was just caught up in the groove of THE WAY YOU MAKE ME FEEL, so I would brush off my embarrassment and say to myself “DON’T STOP TIL YOU GET ENOUGH”. I even remember one time I got caught sneaking into my brother’s room trying to listen to your album! He said he was going to his friends house so I thought I was a SMOOTH CRIMINAL when I snuck up in there, trying to play the music ever so softly just knowing that there was no way that I would get caught. Well I got the THRILLER of my life that day!!! I was standing at the dresser, with my eyes closed tight, and my microphone (hair-brush) in hand, singing along with you: “you got to feel that heat, and we can ride the boogie, share that beat of loooovee…” And all of a sudden I opened my eyes, and the MAN IN THE MIRROR, standing behind me, was my brother, mad as hell… until I looked up at him and said “Sorry brother…I CAN’T HELP IT!” He just laughed and said “BEAT IT”, and I was mad, but I just left his room because I didn’t WANNA BE STARTIN’ SOMETHIN’.

But even now, as an adult, even though I’m WORKIN’ DAY AND NIGHT, raising my own son and my sister, YOU ROCK MY WORLD now, just like you did when I was a little girl. It’s funny because even in the midst of all the drama and gossip, I JUST CAN’T STOP LOVING YOU. You’ve been a part of my world for so long, that it kinda feels like HUMAN NATURE to listen to your songs and expect to hear the reviews of your latest albums and performances. Over the years, people tried to say that you were BAD and that you were DANGEROUS and that you didn’t know if you were BLACK OR WHITE…well, we couldn’t always tell either, but none of that really mattered to me.!!!! I promise you, I never believed BILLIE JEAN when she said you were the one – I knew the kid was not your son!!! Those weren’t the things that were most important to me about you. Your music was the soundtrack of a generation, and the theme music to the motion picture of my life. Your music Michael Jackson, had the power to HEAL THE WORLD and make it a better place, and I truly believe that’s what you tried to do. See, to me, it’s as easy as ABC – you will always be the King Of Pop, and like you there will never be another. It makes me want to SCREAM knowing that you’re gone, and even though you just passed away yesterday, already, I WANT YOU BACK. But I’m truly grateful to God for the time that He gave you to us. And if there is ever a gathering on the East Coast of this amazing country in which I live, for people who really loved you and appreciated your musical contributions to this world, you don’t have to worry…I’LL BE THERE.

I now reside in Southern California, I was born and raised in Roxbuy's Orchard Park Housing...I'll never forget the tumltuous years of the 1960's, but when the young Michael debut that evening on the Ed Sullivan Show with the Jackson Five...we knew we had something special...I WANT YOU BACK, ABC, I'll never forget the dance, the emotions, the pouring out...I was also at the Boston Garden when they came...who else was there...I miss Bean Town...but this is the irony...HOW DARE THE MEDIA...and you know which ones...THE RACIST OUTLETS that persecuted him are still the vey ones who are praising his genius...they need to stop right now...hypocrites...I want to hear from his peers...what do you think???

Sleep sweetly, brother Michael. I remember the little Motown boy just a few years younger than I who could move us all to dancing. Thanks for all the wonderful moments, the melodies, the hopes, the challenges, the dreams, and let's forget the rest. May flights of angels now sing you to your rest...

I am so shocked by this horrible loss. He was so talented and making a comeback. He will be forever missed! I grew up listening to Michael Jackson in the 70's and following his life for many years and his successes. There will never be another like him. It just inspires me to do what I need to do because it is obvious tomorrow is not promised to us.

I guess it was around 1970 (the philadelphia airport) Maybe a couple of thousand fans and I pressed to a cyclone fence to get a glimpse of the Jackson five.I remember Michael flashing me the peace sign (as If to recognize) I was the only one representing the hippie culture in the crowd. I grew up with The jackson 5 music. Michael Jacksons music will always play in my ears when I look back on my fondest memories. Thank you Michael for leaving this sweetness behind for me a millions. God rest your soul on the night shift!