The Years 1994 to 1997
On 5 January 1994, during a surprising appearance at the 26th annual ceremony of
the NAACP [NAACP _ National Association for the Advancement of Colored People] held in Pasadena, California, Michael Jackson presented the award for Outstanding Choreography to Debbie Allen.
Before the award was presented, Michael delighted the audience with his speech. They cheered him loudly while he was standing.
Michael: I love you all... [laughs]... thank you for your kind and generous support. I love you very much.
[Endless applause from the audience. Everyone calls out Michael’s name in unison.]
For several decades, the NAACP has been the standard-bearer of legal battles to achieve justice equal to that for all the people of our land. In dining rooms, in the halls of the Supreme Court, and in the meeting rooms of the United States, they have fought for justice, equality, and everything that concerns the dignity and status of human beings. NAACP members, in pursuit of these lofty ideals on which our country was founded, have been imprisoned and even murdered.
In this stage of my life, none of these goals is more meaningful to me than this belief that all individuals must be presumed innocent—completely and absolutely innocent.
[Applause from the crowd]
Until proven guilty and convicted by members of a jury.
[Standing ovations from the audience]
Truly, until today, I have never taken the time to understand the importance of these ideals. Until I myself became the victim of false accusations.
[Applause from the audience]
The victim of other people’s desire to believe and exploit the worst situations, before they even have the chance to hear the truth.
[Applause from the audience. One of them shouts: Michael, I love you]
I love you even more... I am not only presumed innocent, I am innocent. [Applause from the audience]
And I know that the truth is my way to salvation.
[Applause from the audience]
When others weren’t there, you were present to support me. By believing in God and knowing that I am not alone in this struggle, I have become even more steadfast in proving my innocence.
[Applause from the audience. Michael sends them kisses.]
Together, we will see the end of accepting these accusations... [a brief pause]... and I am proud to be here.
[Michael calls Debbie Allen onto the stage. Allen asks several people, including Michael Peters, to accompany her. Jackson hugs Michael Peters. Jackson had choreographed the music video clip “Thriller” with Peters.]
[Michael presents the award to Debbie Allen.]
After receiving the award, Debbie Allen said: “God be with you, Michael. We are all on your side.”