Michael Meets Black Lawmakers in Washington

On the second day of his activities in Washington, Michael met with several Black lawmakers in the United States, as well as a number of ambassadors from African countries, to discuss the need for greater support for the African continent in the fight against AIDS. As Michael entered the Capitol Hill chamber, a group of supporters had also gathered on-site to back him. At a press conference held after the end of this one-hour meeting, many members of Congress expressed their enthusiasm for Michael’s work on the AIDS-fighting project in Africa. Bobby Rush, a member of Congress, said about Michael: "This man intends to direct global efforts in the fight against AIDS in a way that ensures we use all our resources and attention to control and eliminate a scourge called AIDS." Sheila Jackson Lee, another representative, said: "Until now, no meeting like today had ever been held in Congress." Jesse Jackson, a pastor and another member of this Congress, while praising the meeting, said: "Michael has announced that he will participate in the congressional programs arranged to raise funds for the fight against AIDS in Africa." Also, in this press conference, Michael announced that he intends to hold several charity concerts for this purpose in Africa. Sheila Jackson Lee provided more details about these concerts and said that ambassadors from several African countries had invited Michael to perform in their countries. After leaving Congress, Michael went to Walter Reed Hospital to visit American soldiers who had been injured in the Iraq war and were hospitalized there.