The Friday and Saturday Michael Jackson memorial charity events in the city of Gary took place as scheduled. The events were held a week earlier than Michael's birthday so that Prince, Michael's eldest child who is starting college this year, could attend before school begins.
This year, as in each of the past six years, the old Jackson family home on Jackson Street 2300 saw fans gather to take keepsake photos and get autographs alongside the family and children of the King of Pop.
Michael Jackson fans know no age. In the crowd, a young child and a woman in her eighties were both present. A group of women who called themselves "Amazons" — because they had met through the Amazon website — and others had arrived the night before to greet the Jackson family first thing in the morning. They had spent the night listening to Michael's songs and dancing until dawn.
On the second day of the family's visit to Gary, all members came outside to take a group photo in front of the house. Prince took charge of organizing and positioning people for the photo, then came toward the crowd gathered behind the protective fence of the yard. He was then joined by other family members, including his sister Paris and his brother Blanket. Fans who were present described the family's treatment of fans as very warm and respectful.
The main event of the Michael Jackson memorial was a celebration that this year, due to concerns about bad weather, was being held at the Genesis Center rather than Roosevelt High School. The event was held under heavy security, with police having a visible presence on the grounds.
At this charity celebration, Michael's mother and children distributed free school supplies to those in need. Some fans also brought items to contribute to the charity event at the family's invitation. For example, one Canadian couple brought a suitcase full of school supplies with them. Four women who came from Europe brought a number of Michael Jackson fan magazines they had produced and printed themselves, to sell for charity.
An interesting thing that happened in the line waiting to enter the celebration hall was when Willie, last year's dance competition winner, came out and performed for the crowd to keep people entertained.
Inside the Genesis Center, all sorts of entertainment had been arranged for children, and fans appeared to be happy. Numerous Michael Jackson books, T-shirts, and merchandise were also available for purchase.
Source: eMJey.com / LMJ
The Friday and Saturday Michael Jackson memorial charity events in the city of Gary took place as scheduled. The events were held a week earlier than Michael's birthday so that Prince, Michael's eldest child who is starting college this year, could attend before school begins.
This year, as in each of the past six years, the old Jackson family home on Jackson Street 2300 saw fans gather to take keepsake photos and get autographs alongside the family and children of the King of Pop.
Michael Jackson fans know no age. In the crowd, a young child and a woman in her eighties were both present. A group of women who called themselves "Amazons" — because they had met through the Amazon website — and others had arrived the night before to greet the Jackson family first thing in the morning. They had spent the night listening to Michael's songs and dancing until dawn.
On the second day of the family's visit to Gary, all members came outside to take a group photo in front of the house. Prince took charge of organizing and positioning people for the photo, then came toward the crowd gathered behind the protective fence of the yard. He was then joined by other family members, including his sister Paris and his brother Blanket. Fans who were present described the family's treatment of fans as very warm and respectful.
The main event of the Michael Jackson memorial was a celebration that this year, due to concerns about bad weather, was being held at the Genesis Center rather than Roosevelt High School. The event was held under heavy security, with police having a visible presence on the grounds.
At this charity celebration, Michael's mother and children distributed free school supplies to those in need. Some fans also brought items to contribute to the charity event at the family's invitation. For example, one Canadian couple brought a suitcase full of school supplies with them. Four women who came from Europe brought a number of Michael Jackson fan magazines they had produced and printed themselves, to sell for charity.
An interesting thing that happened in the line waiting to enter the celebration hall was when Willie, last year's dance competition winner, came out and performed for the crowd to keep people entertained.
Inside the Genesis Center, all sorts of entertainment had been arranged for children, and fans appeared to be happy. Numerous Michael Jackson books, T-shirts, and merchandise were also available for purchase.
Source: eMJey.com / LMJ